Winnipeg Jets center Sam Gagner (89) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Wild at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Former Winnipeg Jets centre Sam Gagner has retired from professional hockey and will become the director of player development with the Ottawa Senators.

The 35-year-old played 1043 games in the NHL, recording 197 goals and 529 points. Early in his career, Gagner was an effective middle-six centre with a solid two-way game. Later in his career, he transitioned into a defensive centre and became a veteran presence. Gagner spent one season with the Jets, scoring eight goals and 14 points in 48 games during the 2022-23 season as a 33-year-old.

The former sixth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft came within a win of his first Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers last season, despite not dressing for any playoff games. He was brought back to Edmonton to be a strong faceoff man and a depth option if the Oilers faced injury problems.

Throughout his career, Gagner was widely regarded as a great teammate and leader, which makes the move to director of player development seem like the expected next step. As the director of player development, he'll work closely with the top Senators' prospects.

"Sam has had an incredible career as a player, and we look forward to launching his next chapter," Senators general manager and president of hockey operations Steve Staios said in a statement. "A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice."

The London, ON., native has all the makings of someone who can continue to climb the ladder of front-office jobs in the NHL.

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Former Jets Forward Retires From Professional Hockey; Set For New Role With Senators