Sam Gagner Needs To Get Selfish For Edmonton Oilers

Sam Gagner may be best known for one of the biggest games in the history of the National Hockey League when he had eight points just a year ago during a four-goal, four-assist night. This season, Gagner is known for the player that is leading the Edmonton Oilers in points early this season with 13 points in 13 games as the NHL sees wide-open hockey to begin this shortened season. Gagner is just 23 years old and already in his sixth year in the league but there is no doubt in my mind what Gagner needs to do more of this season. That is to score more goals for the Oilers.

Gagner has 81 career goals and had a career-high of 18 last season. This is the time for Gagner to step up and put the puck in the net much more than he has in his career before. Gagner is a player that likes to get his teammates involved and has over double the assists to goals this year but Gagner has to find a way to get the puck in the net himself now.

Edmonton is at a critical point right now with the team improving greatly last season from the previous two years and this was the year to make the next step in getting back to the playoffs. If that is going to happen however, it has to be Gagner to lead the team to that point. There is no reason at this point why Gagner can’t be more of a goal-scorer. It’s time for Gagner to get selfish and score a ton more.

Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.