The Fourth Period :: Edmonton Oilers :: Gagner proves his worth?


February 3, 2012 \| 10:36am ET

Gagner proves his worth?
TheFourthPeriod.com

It appears the recent play of 22-year-old Sam Gagner has impressed the Edmonton Oilers' management brass enough to remove him from the trading block.

Gagner has been dangled as trade bait for a better part of the season, but has upped his performance lately, including a magical eight-point outburst last night in Edmonton.

The Oilers have been looking to acquire help on the blueline, with GM Jeff Tambellini in the market for a young, top-tier defenseman.

It's believed Gagner will only be dealt this season if the Oilers can acquire a top-three rearguard under 25.

Meanwhile, the Oilers continue to field calls for right wing Ales Hemsky, who is expected to be dealt before the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

Several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators, have expressed an interest in Hemsky.

More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades | No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses | Top 25 Available Players | Team-by-Team Cap Info