The Philadelphia Flyers have opted to retain Sam Gagner for the time being, as he was not placed on buyout waivers prior to today's 12 p.m. deadline.
Gagner, who will turn 26 later this offseason, was acquired from Arizona on Saturday for Nick Grossmann and Chris Pronger's contract. In 81 games with the Coyotes last season — his only season with the 'Yotes — Gagner scored 15 goals and 41 points, leading all forwards in scoring.
The decision to not waive Gagner makes sense, as he projects to provide secondary scoring in the Flyers' top nine. He's also decent in the shootout (19 for 62 all-time, 30.6 percent), and the Flyers' woes in the skills competition have been well-documented.
A sixth-overall draft pick in 2007, Gagner has one year remaining on his contract, which carries a $3.2 million cap hit.
Also not being placed on buyout waivers was Vincent Lecavalier, following a dismal and much-maligned second season with the Orange and Black. Both players could be moved later in the offseason, however.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
