Dave Gagner

Lore & Background

Gagner was drafted 12th overall by the New York Rangers in 1983. He spent his best years with the Minnesota North Stars, recording six 30-goal seasons and a career-high 82 points in 1990–91. He was traded multiple times, including to Vancouver in a blockbuster deal involving Pavel Bure in January 1999. He retired on September 29, 1999, with 719 points in 946 NHL games.

In Their Own Story

The ice at McNichols Arena was slick with anticipation on that cold January night in '96. Gagner circled the blue line, eyes locked on the net as the puck skated past him. With a swift stickhandle and a burst of speed, he deked the defender, creating just enough space to fire a wrist shot that beat the goalie glove-side. The crowd erupted, but Gagner simply nodded, skating back down the ice with the quiet confidence of a man who knew exactly where his team needed to go next.

Reader's Guide

Gagner never played for the Quebec Nordiques or Colorado Avalanche. He did not win a Stanley Cup. His jersey number is not mentioned in the source. After playing, he became Director of Player Development for the Vancouver Canucks (2008–2013) and later worked with Orr Hockey Group and as vice president of The.Team.

Did You Know?

• Gagner recorded 40 goals in 1989–90, his breakout season with the Minnesota North Stars.
• He was traded from Florida to Vancouver on January 17, 1999, as part of a deal for Pavel Bure.
• After retiring, he founded Custom Ice Inc., a company that manufactures ice skating rinks.
• His son Sam Gagner also played in the NHL.