"Sam is a hardworking, right shot centre with good speed and skill," said Benning. "He brings tremendous experience to our team and will set a good example for our younger players."
Gagner, 27, collected a career-high 50 points (18-32-50) in 81 games played with Columbus in 2016.17. His 18 goals tied a career-high set in 2011.12 while his point total marked the seventh 40-plus point campaign of his career. In 10 NHL seasons split between Columbus, Philadelphia, Arizona, and Edmonton, the 5-11, 202-pound forward has posted 142 goals and 260 assists in 696 career NHL games.
On the international stage, Gagner has represented Canada at three international tournaments: the 2008 IIHF World Championships, the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships (gold medal) and the Canada Ontario U17 squad at the U17 World Hockey Challenge.
A native of London, Ontario, Gagner was originally selected by Edmonton in the first round, sixth overall, at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
