Longtime NHL player Sam Gagner is transitioning into a front office role.
The Ottawa Senators announced on Thursday that the 35-year-old native of London, Ontario, has been appointed as the team`s director of player development.
Gagner`s extensive NHL career spanned 1,043 games. He entered the league as a first-round draft pick by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007.
Over his playing career, he suited up for several teams, including the Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and Winnipeg Jets.
Senators general manager Steve Staios commented on the hiring, stating, “Sam had an incredible career as a player and we look forward to launching his next chapter. A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice.”
Most recently, Gagner played with the Senators` American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Belleville, where he recorded 10 points in 19 games during the past season.
He finished his NHL playing career with a total of 529 points, consisting of 197 goals and 332 assists.
In other team news, the Senators also announced the hiring of Matt Turek as the general manager of their AHL team. Turek had previously served as GM for the Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs since 2002.