The London Knights have successfully wooed 16-year-old centre Sam Gagner, who is expected to be a first-round NHL draft pick in 2007, for their 2006/07 season.

Prior to the deal, which became official the first week in June, Gagner played for Sioux City, Iowa of the United States Hockey League. He also had a non-binding oral commitment with the University of Wisconsin for their 2007/08 season.

By choosing the Knights over Wisconsin, Gagner has forfeited his opportunity to play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a decision that wasn't easy for the teenager.


“Obviously I had some options and there was nothing negative about them,” said Gagner. “London is such a great town with such a great organization.”

Gagner, who was born in London and grew up in Chatham, was drafted in the 4th round, 67th overall, by the Knights during the 2005 Ontario Hockey League Draft. He played for the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA team in 2005-2006 season, and led the team to the OHL Cup Championship in 2005, where he was named MVP of the tournament.

Last season Gagner scored 11 goals and 35 assists in 56 games for the Sioux City Musketeers and was named to the 2005-2006 USHL all-rookie team.


His father, Dave Gagner, spent 14 years in the NHL as a centre, playing the bulk of his career for the Minnesota North Stars.

To graduate high school, Gagner will finish four credits at St .Thomas Aquinas, and then move onto the University of Western Ontario.

The signing of Gagner could lure other sought-after players, like Phil McRae, who was drafted to the Knights in the first round for 2006. Otherwise, McRae would stay in the US and finish is amateur career in the NCAA.

“It's a ripple effect,” said the Knights coach, Dale Hunter. “If I am a scorer, I know who I want to play with and that's a player like Sam.”

The Knights need to restock their line-up, after key players like Rob Schremp, David Bolland and Captain Dylan Hunter graduated out of the OHL this past spring.