After an eight-point explosion against the Blackhawks, Sam Gagner showed he belongs amongst the bright lights of Edmonton's future.
However, with his value suddenly at an all-time high, should the Oilers be looking to deal the young forward to address other organizational needs?
Last week, TSN Insider Darren Dreger speculated that while the Oilers weren't shopping Gagner, he may be a necessary inclusion if the Oilers want to acquire a top-pairing defenceman. However, after his Groundhog Day performance, Dreger tweeted that the Oilers were unlikely to move Gagner and that he'd only be considered for a young, top defenceman.
So, what should the Oilers do with Gagner?
A sixth-overall pick in 2007, Gagner has consistently eclipsed the 40-point plateau as an NHLer. Thursday's explosion puts him well within reach of doing it once again.
He has experienced some health concerns in his young career, having played only 68 games in each of the past two seasons and already missed seven games this season due to ankle and back injuries.
While he may have been surpassed on the team's depth chart by younger higher-profile teammates such as Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gagner could still easily factor in to the team's future core alongside the likes of Magnus Paajarvi, Linus Omark and Anton Lander.
Or, Steve Tambellini could move Gagner while his value is at its all-time peak and land the stud defender the team so badly needs.
With other trade pieces to use to address the blue line, Gagner's not necessarily a player the Oilers must part with. However, after tying a club record held by Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey, Gagner is a player that is fresh in everyone's mind.
If Gagner is used to fill the defensive void then the Oilers could potentially trade pieces like Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth or even the team's 2012 first-rounder (currently a lottery pick) to address Edmonton's other organizational needs.
What do you think?
Should the Oilers trade Gagner while teams are still dazzled by his manhandling of the Hawks?
As always, it's Your! Call.
