:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34987717/20140305_kkt_ah3_239.0.jpg)
Per TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Arizona Coyotes have acquired Sam Gagner and fB.J. Crombeen from the Tampa Bay Lightning who traded for Gagner earlier in the day.
TB has traded Sam Gagner to PHX, I mean Arizona. In any case, Gagner is a Coyote. #TSN
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2014
McKenzie later reported that Arizona would send a draft pick to Tampa Bay. That pick turned out to be a 6th rounder in 2015.
PHX gave up a draft pick to TB for Sam Gagner and B.J. Crombeen. TB clearing salary cap room.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2014
"We are very pleased to acquire a talented, young center like Sam Gagner," said Don Maloney in a press release. "He has the intelligence, character and skill set we were looking for and we believe he has further growth in his game. We look forward to welcoming Sam to Arizona."
Gagner scored 10 goals and 37 points in 67 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season. Gagner, 24, is set to make $5 million in each of the next two seasons with a cap hit of $4.8 million. The Lightning retained 1/3 of Gagner's salary, reducing the cost to the Coyotes to about $3.33 million per season.
The Coyotes needed to add another center after buying out Mike Ribeiro on Friday, but Gagner may be best served as a top-six winger.
It is no secret the Coyotes need more offense and Gagner has the potential to provide nearly 20-goals and 50-points. However, Gagner struggled last season and possessing the puck has never been his strong suit. Hopefully for him and the Coyotes, a change of scenery will help.
Crombeen had three goals and 10 points in 55 games last season. He has one year left on his deal at $1.15 million.
"BJ is a great fit for us," said Maloney in the same release. "He is a big, strong, character player who will be a leader on the ice and in our locker room."