Only a month into the NHL regular season, Sam Gagner has already played a variety of roles with the Edmonton Oilers.
He started the year in the minors before being recalled on Oct. 19. He’s been used on several different lines. When the Oilers host St. Louis on Wednesday, he’ll be on the top line with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
“I’m sure it’ll change again,” Gagner said. “I focus on what I can control.
“I don’t think I’ve taken a step back once this year in terms of my work ethic or my habits or my attitude.”
Gagner played part of Monday’s game against Arizona on that line. They didn’t score but did apply some pressure as the Oilers pushed for the tying goal.
“I’m just trying to play hard on both sides of the puck and drive the play into the offensive zone,” Gagner said. “I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that.
“Obviously, you have to find ways to produce, especially playing with those two.”
“He makes plays. Those guys need someone that can make some plays with them. He jumped in there (Monday against Arizona) and started making some plays,” said Oilers head coach Dave Tippett, who also coached Gagner with the 2014-15 Coyotes.
“I’ve got a long history with Sam. He’s a player who can give you spurts like that.”
Gagner, who has one point in six games this season, said he won’t let being on a new line change the way he plays.
“I’ve played in a lot of different roles in my career,” he said. “I understand what makes me effective.
“I need to make sure I’m skating and winning races, being hard on pucks and winning battles.”
The rest of the Oilers lines at Tuesday’s practice were:
Neal- Nugent-Hopkins – Kassian
Jurco – Haas – Chiasson
Khaira – Cave – P. Russell
Granlund – Sheahan – Archibald
It looks like Oilers defenceman Joel Persson will be scratched against the Blues. He was benched in the second period against the Coyotes. Brandon Manning will draw in.
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