Report: Arizona Coyotes considering a buyout on Sam Gagner’s contract

Last summer, the Arizona Coyotes acquired center Sam Gagner in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This summer, according to a report, the ‘Yotes are considering buying out the final year of Gagner’s contract.

Sportsnet in Canada has the report:

The cash-strapped Coyotes are on the hunt for centremen, and have come to the conclusion that Gagner simply isn’t a fit. Arizona GM Don Maloney has been attempting to trade Gagner while at the NHL Draft, but chances are he would have to take someone else’s bad contract back. Maloney may settle for a buy-out at one-third of the money owed, as Gagner is still just 25 years old.

Gagner is entering the final year of a three-year, $14.4 million deal he signed with the Edmonton Oilers prior to the 2013-14 season. The contract is scheduled to pay the 25-year-old $5 million this season and carries a cap hit of $3.2 million, according to Spotrac.

Gagner led all Arizona forwards with 15 goals in 81 games last season.