Oilers place Sam Gagner on waivers ahead of trade deadline

Sam Gagner was placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.

The Vancouver Canucks also announced that defenceman

Gagner has bounced around the forward lines and in and out of the lineup since being signed to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 on Oct. 31. In 27 games this season, the London, Ont., native has five goals and five assists.

The timing of the move is notable as the Oilers are believed to be looking to add more forwards ahead of the deadline.

Gagner, 34, is best known in Oiler circles for his stunning eight-point night on Feb. 2, 2012, against the Chicago Blackhawks. His four-goal, four-assist game was the first eight-pointer since Mario Lemieux pulled it off in April 1989.

Gagner played last season with the Winnipeg Jets. In 1,015 career NHL games for the Oilers, Coyotes, Jets, Canucks, Red Wings, Blue Jackets and Flyers heading into this season, Gagner had 192 goals and 327 assists for 519 points. Gagner was drafted sixth overall in 2007 by the Oilers.

Other players waived on Tuesday include Guillaume Brisebois (Canucks), Max Comtois (Hurricanes), Vinny Lettieri (Wild) and Jake Lucchini (Wild).