Scouting the Draft- Sam Gagner

[Crowned]

I'll be posting my thoughts and player profiles as per the request of others. First up, Sam Gagner.







Sam Gagner-

Height: 5’10
Weight: 190 lbs
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Projected Range: 4-10


Thoughts: Gagner is a good skater, a strength which will benefit him heading into the next level. He uses his speed to his advantage and creates scoring opportunities. Sam is a complete offensively gifted player, as he can distribute the puck well, and can finish around the net. Sam does need to work on his defensive skills in his own zone heading into the NHL, but does possess good awareness in that aspect. His willingness to learn and improve stands out as a major strength. His backchecking abilities proves he’s a hard worker and responsible on both ends of the ice.

Need to work on: Size and nerves. In big games, such as the World Junior Championships, Gagner seemed as if he had the ‘deer in the headlights’ look to him. He was one of the premiere players in the OHL and earned the spot on that roster, and didn’t play like it at times, as he was quite unsure of himself. His upperbody strength needs improvement to be successful in the NHL.