1000-game NHL veteran Sam Gagner reportedly joining a new eastern conference team

The NHL is full of many veterans that can impact a game in the league with more than just their play, and that description fits Sam Gagner perfectly, as he brings the energy and leadership that it takes to make a deep push through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now, the 35-year old veteran is getting another shot in the league, with the Carolina Hurricanes reportedly bringing in the veteran winger on a PTO for training camp.

Gagner has played with seven different teams over his career after being drafted No. 6 overall by the Edmonton Oilers way back in 2007, and over that time he's played in 1,043 games, tallying 197 goals and 529 points. He may have never lived up to the hype of a first-round pick, but he has over 16 years of experience in the league, and if he can find a role in Carolina's squad, he'll bring plenty of value.

A year ago, Gagner made his return to the Edmonton Oilers, playing in just 28 games while notching 5 goals and 10 points, and while that won't make him a top liner anywhere in the NHL, he'll be a good fit for the fourth line on a contender this year, so we will have to wait and see if he can impress at 'Canes camp and take on that role for them.