Agent Dave Gagner not interested in Oilers GM job

If the Edmonton Oilers decide to move on from Ken Holland, former NHLer and current player agent Dave Gagner will not take over as the team's general manager.

Gagner, 58, is the director of player development for the Orr Hockey Group, where he previously worked with Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson.

"Gagner said this week that he's not interested in the job, and wouldn't pursue it if it was open," Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said during the "Saturday Headlines" segment of Hockey Night in Canada. "So, I think you can remove his name from that kind of speculation."

Holland, who has served as Edmonton's general manager since May 2019, is in the final year of his contract, which had led to speculation about who might take over if the Oilers make a change or look for a successor.

The 68-year-old had built an impressive resume as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings from 1997 to 2019, where he won three Stanley Cups, four Presidents' Trophies and 10 Central Division titles.

Gagner played in the NHL for 15 seasons, registering 318 goals and 719 points in 946 games with six teams.

Following his playing career, he spent time as an assistant coach with the London Knights and director of player development for the Vancouver Canucks before moving into the agency ranks.

His son, Sam, has played in 17 NHL seasons and was signed by the Oilers to return for his 10th year in Edmonton on Oct. 31.

CAMPBELL BRINGS LEGACE TO BAKERSFIELD

In other Oilers news, the team granted goaltender Jack Campbell permission to bring Manny Legace to the AHL.

"Legace, the former goaltender coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, worked with Campbell last summer," Friedman reported. "Campbell enjoyed the bond and relationship, and wanted to work with Legace while he's working his way back to the NHL."

An 11-year NHL veteran, Legace posted a career 187-99-41 record, was named an All-Star in 2008 and was a member of Detroit's 2002 Stanley Cup championship team.

Campbell cleared waivers on Nov. 8 after getting off a rough start for the disappointing Oilers team, putting up just a .873 save percentage and 4.50 goals-against average over five games.

Since being assigned to the Bakersfield Condors, Campbell has appeared in four games, posting a .873 save percentage and 3.26 GAA. Despite the struggles, he made significant strides in the Condors' win on Tuesday, stopping 30 shots in a shutout against the Henderson Silver Knights.

"With all of the rumours about trades the Oilers could make, I still do believe it's their first choice to have Campbell rejoin the team and improve his play," Friedman said.