Of all the players taken in the 2007 NHL Draft, only Chicago’s superstar Patrick Kane has scored more points than Edmonton’s Sam Gagner.  Gagner just turned 21, but he already has three solid NHL seasons under his belt and his 131 career points rank are already the 48th-most by an Oiler. Gagner recently agreed to a new two-year, $4.55 million contract to stay in Edmonton.  Now his goal is to lose some weight.

Gagner played around 200 pounds last season, but has already slimmed down to a svelte 193 pounds.  His goal is to lose a few more pounds:

When you’re coming into this league, everyone’s telling you to put on weight … you get caught up in it, but I’ve worked this summer to lose pounds, to work on my fast-twitch, work on my speed with my trainer. I hope to see dividends from that. If I get to 190, I won’t get knocked around at that size, and I think I can get in and out of places quicker.

Besides working on his girlish figure, Gagner also wants to become a better hockey player.

“Obviously, I have a lot to learn to be a first-line centre, but I want to be a guy who’s looked upon to play in all situations,” said the new, slimmer Gagner. “I’m willing to take the steps to be that guy and I’ve always been taught if you put the work in you’ll be rewarded.”

Oilers assistant general manager Ricky Olczyk believes Gagner can reach his goals:

The sky’s the limit with Sam. He was in the NHL at 18 and we feel confident he can take on a bigger role on our club [provided his tummy gets smaller]. He’ll accept the challenge and pass it with flying colors. He’s still a young player and he’s always worked hard.