Sam Gagner Announces Retirement After 17-Year NHL Career, Begins New Chapter in Ottawa Senators’ Front Office
Veteran NHL forward Sam Gagner has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, bringing an impressive 17-year playing career to a close at the age of 35. Gagner, known for his consistent play, leadership, and commitment to the game, is now transitioning into a new role off the ice as the Director of Player Development for the Ottawa Senators.
The announcement came as part of a broader update from the Ottawa Senators, who revealed that they had added two significant pieces to their hockey operations staff. Steve Staios, the Senators’ general manager and president of hockey operations, welcomed Gagner to the team, praising his reputation and dedication to the sport.
“Sam had an incredible career as a player, and we look forward to launching his next chapter,” said Staios. “A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice.”
Gagner’s playing career was marked by longevity and adaptability, having played for seven NHL teams over nearly two decades. Among his most notable stints were those with three Canadian franchises: the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets. These stops became central parts of his journey, not only in terms of games played but in the relationships and reputation he built throughout the league.
Originally selected seventh overall in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, Gagner entered the league as a highly touted prospect. He made an immediate impact with his playmaking abilities and high hockey IQ. Over the span of his NHL career, he tallied 529 points in 1,043 regular-season games, including 197 goals and 332 assists. While he never won a Stanley Cup, his contributions were always valued, particularly for the depth and leadership he brought to each locker room.
In the 2024-25 season, Gagner concluded his playing days with the Belleville Senators, Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, recording 10 points in 19 games. Even in the final phase of his playing career, he continued to demonstrate his understanding of the game and his ability to mentor younger players—qualities that undoubtedly influenced the Senators’ decision to bring him into a developmental role.
His move into the Director of Player Development position signals a full-circle moment for Gagner. Having once been a top prospect himself, he now steps into a role where he will guide and shape the careers of the Senators’ up-and-coming talent. His firsthand experience navigating the highs and lows of professional hockey will be invaluable to players seeking to make their own mark in the NHL.
Gagner isn’t the only new addition to the Senators’ organizational structure. The team also announced that Matt Turek will be joining as the general manager of the Belleville Senators. Turek brings a wealth of experience in scouting and team building, most recently serving as the GM of the Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from 2022 to 2025.
Turek’s connection to the Bulldogs dates back to the 2015-16 season when he joined the organization as a scout. Over time, he climbed the ranks to become the club’s Director of Player Personnel and eventually its general manager. His tenure included overseeing the Bulldogs’ construction of championship teams in 2018 and 2022, solidifying his reputation as an astute talent evaluator and team architect.
In addition to his OHL work, Turek also has NHL-level scouting experience, having previously contributed to the Montreal Canadiens’ scouting efforts. His knowledge of junior hockey and ability to identify promising prospects will be vital for Belleville’s success and, by extension, the Senators’ long-term development goals.
In his new role, Turek will handle GM responsibilities in Belleville while also contributing to organizational-level decisions regarding player personnel and development strategies. The Senators hope that this combination of fresh perspective and experience will enhance their ability to cultivate a winning culture, both at the AHL level and in Ottawa.
The hiring of both Gagner and Turek represents a strategic investment in the Senators’ future. By bolstering the front office with individuals who bring credibility, deep hockey knowledge, and proven track records, Ottawa is signaling its commitment to long-term success and sustained player development. These moves also reflect a broader trend across the NHL, where more teams are prioritizing the transition of former players into developmental and management roles.
For Sam Gagner, this next step is the natural evolution of a hockey life well lived. After nearly two decades of grinding it out at the highest level, he now has the opportunity to give back to the game by mentoring the next generation. While he may no longer be on the ice, his presence will still be felt in the locker room, on the practice rink, and throughout the Senators’ development system.
As the Senators continue their rebuild and push toward becoming a consistent playoff team, the influence of people like Gagner and Turek could prove to be pivotal. Gagner’s deep understanding of what it takes to compete, survive, and thrive in the NHL will resonate with young players, while Turek’s sharp eye for talent and developmental insight will help ensure that Ottawa’s pipeline remains strong.
In conclusion, Sam Gagner’s retirement from professional hockey marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. His transition to the Ottawa Senators’ front office is both a personal milestone and an organizational win for a franchise aiming to climb back into contention. Coupled with the addition of Matt Turek, the Senators are putting the right people in place to shape the future of their club—on and off the ice.
Interesting analysis of the recent struggles in the NHL, especially regarding Tarasenko and the Red Wings. It’s surprising to see such a decorated player facing so much criticism—what do you think is the root cause of his underperformance? The Canucks’ situation with Pettersson’s injury is equally concerning; losing a star player at this crucial stage could really impact their playoff chances. It’s impressive though how they’re quickly adapting with roster moves like recalling Sasson. Do you think these adjustments will be enough to keep them competitive? It seems like both teams are at a crossroads—what’s your take on their strategies moving forward? Would love to hear your thoughts!