Gagner on trade to Coyotes: 'I'm excited to prove some people wrong next year'

Sam Gagner is only 24-years-old but is an NHL veteran with seven years experience under his belt. He played a full schedule from the age of 18 after being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers sixth overall in 2007.

His name was on the trading block for many seasons, and Craig MacTavish pulled the trigger sending him to Tampa Bay. He was then flipped to the Arizona Coyotes by Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman.

He was part of a salary dump and that didn't sit well with Gagner, who knows he's a better player than that.

"It’s about going out there and proving it on a consistent basis. I’m excited to prove some people wrong next year, and I feel like I have a great opportunity to do that in Phoenix and it should be a lot of fun."

Coyotes general manager Don Maloney was happy to acquire a forward that hasn't hit his peak yet.

"We got him for his offensive instincts and creativity. Players can learn to play better defense. It's very difficult to learn to be more intelligent and more creative."