The Vancouver Canucks needed more speed, a good right-hand shot and a versatile forward to address a number of their weaknesses last season.
That’s why general manager Jim Benning signed forward Sam Gagner to a three-year deal worth $9.45 million. The speedster was coming off a career best 18-goal, 50-point season with the Columbus Blue Jacket, and seemed like an ideal fit in Vancouver.
But the London, Ont. native couldn’t find his footing at all in 2017-18, finishing with just 10 goals and 31 points. Gagner couldn’t generate chemistry with any of his linemates, and the 47.