Oilers' PTOs Are Players Fans Should Root For
Oilers fans should root for both Sam Gagner and Brandon Sutter during their PTOs.
Earlier this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers signed Sam Gagner and Brandon Sutter to PTOs. It makes sense that they invited two centers to camp, as the fourth-line center spot is up for grabs. Now, they have two more options to consider for it with Gagner and Sutter.
It is naturally hard not to cheer for players on PTOs, but this is even more of the case with Gagner and Sutter. These are two veteran forwards heading into training camp with notable reasons why fans should be rooting for them.
Related: Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Tracker
Seeing Gagner back on the Oilers for the 2023-24 season would be excellent. The club selected him with the sixth overall pick way back in 2007, and he played his first seven seasons with the team. He also rejoined them and played two more years there during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Throughout his time as an Oiler, he was greatly respected, and it would be awesome for him to officially earn a deal for the year with them. This is especially so with the Oilers now being a legitimate contender.
Gagner, 34, still has the potential to be an effective bottom-six forward. Although he had just 14 points in 48 games with the Winnipeg Jets last season, he also posted a 33-point campaign with the Detroit Red Wings in 2021-22. If he can find that form again, he would be a worthwhile addition to Edmonton's bottom six. Yet, he will first need to impress during his tryout to earn a deal.
Sutter, on the other hand, is a potential feel-good story but in a different way. The veteran forward, unfortunately, missed each of the last two seasons due to long COVID symptoms. This made his PTO announcement surprising to see, but man, would it be outstanding to see him return to the NHL for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
Sutter, 34, appeared in 43 games for the Vancouver Canucks in 2020-21, posting nine goals and 12 points. Although his offensive production was low, his excellent defensive play and leadership made him a key asset of Vancouver's roster. These elements of his game could be enough for him to land a deal with the Oilers.
It is going to be intriguing to see if Gagner and/or Sutter earn contracts from the Oilers before the start of the season. Until then, fans should be rooting for these two hard-working forwards.