Edmonton, Canada

Center Sam Gagner sees his fresh one-year deal worth $3.2 million as an opportunity to prove himself as a solid NHL player that would pave a way for a long-term partnership with the Edmonton Oilers.

"There's still an opportunity to stay in Edmonton long-term. I need to have another good year and continue to solidify myself as a good NHL player and reach new levels. I'm excited about that opportunity and excited to get going next year," said Gagner, who avoided salary arbitration by signing a new deal.

The deal gives Gagner a 40-percent raise after earning $2.275 million last season from the previous two-year deal that he signed with the Oilers.

The 22-year-old Gagner scored a career-best 18 goals and 29 saves last season but the Oilers are looking for more consistency from him.

"Consistency is something he wants to improve on and it's something we'd like to see," said Oilers assistant general manager Ricky Olczyk. "We saw glimpses of it last year and he had several stretches where he was really hot, but we want him to be more productive throughout the season."

"There were some real high times; I still need to continue to work on ironing out the low times and making sure they're not happening as often," Gagner admitted.

Olczyk said Gagner is capable of being a consistent scorer for the team and the Oilers are anxious to see him accomplish that.

"He's only 22 years old and he's got plenty of good days ahead of him," Olczyk said. "It's a good thing for Sam and it's a great opportunity to take [his career] to a whole new level.

Gagner has collected 220 points in 366 career NHL games but he has yet to surpass the 49-point total he racked up in his rookie season.

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