I don't see how bringing in Gagner would be a huge upgrade on Connolly and Lombardi for our second-line center, not to mention then there is a logjam making it difficult for Joe Colborne to break into the league for the next few years. And it spells the end for Bozak too.
Doesn't make sense to me, unless one of Bozak, Lombardi or Connolly is going the other way, in which case it would most likely be a bigger deal than a 1-for-1 swap. Haven't seen the kid play enough to pass much judgement on him though.
Gagner has been used as a winger IIRC and has played a lot better in that position. He's not a good center but capable - a bit like Kadri in that aspect I suppose.
I wouldn't trade Gunnarsson for him, that's for sure.
It's just not a good fit. He's another small oft-injured top 6 forward. He's never improved in his 4 years in the league either. He doesn't add anything to the defensive side of things.
I think we might as well just use the players we have all ready in place.
The only way I'd trade for him is if Holzer or Mikus go the other way... but that won't happen.
If it was to replace Connolly, then maybe. But Gagner isn't any more cost effective than Ty Bo or Jumbo Joe. And I don't think he'd be an upgrade in the bottom 6...and Burke & co certainly aren't moving Grabovski to make space for him...
1 for 1 doen't make sense. Maybe if some more bodies are being moved out in a larger deal, then maybe...but I can't even begin to speculate on that.
I could see a decent second-line down the road with Kadri-Gagner-Frattin in several years but by then hopefully before then we are strong enough on the first line to have Grabo and Kulemin on the second.
I dont see a fit, the last thing we need another smallish soft center. I agree Turris would be a better pickup hes got #1 C potential and is younger so has more time to each that potential. With Gagner he might improve a little bit but what you see is what you get.
I wouldn't mind Gagner either depending on the cost. He is still extremely young and he's put up good seasons. Could crack 50 points if he stays healthy and has potential for much more.
Although I don't really get how acquiring him makes sense.
We already have Connolly, Grabo, Bozak, Lombardi, Dupuis, Steckel as our center depth with Colborne in the minors.
Unless Bozak or Lombardi go the other way along with a defensemen, I don't see how it makes sense for us although Bozak is probably valuable to us with his ability to kill penalties and win faceoffs.
Maybe Burke is just inquiring with Connolly injured to see what the price is at. If Connolly is out for an extended period, he may have to make a move.
Zing!
