David “Dave” Gagner
Player-Development Dealmaker
Canada $284M
Key Facts
Agency / company: THE·TEAM, formerly Wasserman Hockey
Role / title: Executive Vice President
Agency website: https://the.team/sports-talent/hockey/
X: https://x.com/dgagner15
Primary markets: NHL, elite Canadian prospects, player development, high-end RFAs, top-six forwards, defensemen
About David Gagner
David “Dave” Gagner is an Executive Vice President in THE·TEAM’s hockey division. THE·TEAM lists him among its senior hockey leadership alongside Markus Lehto, Judd Moldaver, Rich Evans, Kurt Overhardt, Simo Niiranen, Pete Rutili, and others.
Before entering player representation, Gagner was a longtime NHL forward and later worked in player development. He served as Vancouver’s Director of Player Development before leaving in 2013 to join the Orr Hockey Group as leader of its player-development group.
Gagner is listed with 11 active NHL contracts, about $284M in active contract value, and about $54M in active cap hit.
Key Facts
NHLPA certification: Not explicitly listed under Gagner’s name on THE·TEAM page
Active NHL contracts represented: 11
Total active contract value: $284M
Total active cap hit / AAV represented: $54M
Average active cap hit: $4,9M
Largest active contract: Jordan Kyrou – $65M total, $8.125M AAV
Highest active AAV: Evan Bouchard – $10.5M AAV
Most notable clients: Evan Bouchard, Jordan Kyrou, Alex DeBrincat, Nick Suzuki, Quinton Byfield, Kevin Bahl
Primary client type: young NHL stars, Canadian first-rounders, scoring forwards, defensemen
Client Roster
Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers) – D – Canada – $10.5M AAV – $42M total – expires 2028-29
Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis Blues) – RW – Canada – $8.125M AAV – $65M total – expires 2030-31
Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings) – RW – USA – $7.875M AAV – $31.5M total – expires 2026-27
Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens) – C – Canada – $7.875M AAV – $63M total – expires 2029-30
Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles Kings) – C/LW – Canada – $6.25M AAV – $31.25M total – expires 2028-29
Kevin Bahl (Calgary Flames) – D – Canada – $5.35M AAV – $32.1M total – expires 2030-31
Will Cuylle (New York Rangers) – LW – Canada – $3.9M AAV – $7.8M total – expires 2026-27
Taylor Raddysh (New York Rangers) – RW – Canada – $1.5M AAV – $3M total – expires 2026-27
Michael Misa (San Jose Sharks) – C – Canada – $982,500 AAV – ELC – expires 2027-28
Sam Dickinson (San Jose Sharks) – D – Canada – $950K AAV – ELC – expires 2027-28
Nick Lardis (Chicago Blackhawks) – LW – Canada – $905K AAV – ELC – expires 2027-28
Recent 2025-26 contracts:
Jamie Drysdale (Philadelphia Flyers) – D – Canada – $2.3M AAV – $6.9M total
Connor McMichael (Washington Capitals) – C – Canada – $2.1M AAV – $4.2M total
Darren Raddysh (Tampa Bay Lightning) – D – Canada – $975K AAV – $1.95M total
Christian Kyrou (Philadelphia Flyers) – D – Canada – $878,333 AAV – ELC
Notable Deals
2025 – Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers: 4 years, $42M, $10.5M AAV.
2022/2023 – Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues: 8 years, $65M, $8.125M AAV.
2023 – Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings: 4 years, $31.5M, $7.875M AAV.
2021/2022 – Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens: 8 years, $63M, $7.875M AAV.
2024 – Quinton Byfield, Los Angeles Kings: 5 years, $31.25M, $6.25M AAV.
2025 – Kevin Bahl, Calgary Flames: 6 years, $32.1M, $5.35M AAV.
Milestones
Playing career: Former NHL forward before moving into player development and representation.
2008: Joined the Vancouver Canucks as Director of Player Development.
2013: Left Vancouver to join Orr Hockey Group and lead its player-development group.
2026: THE·TEAM lists Gagner as Executive Vice President in its hockey division.
Partner Network
Senior hockey leadership: Markus Lehto, Dave Gagner, Judd Moldaver, Rich Evans, Kurt Overhardt, Simo Niiranen, Pete Rutili.
Operations / marketing: Joe Pinter, Rachel Feucht, Adam Phillips.
European network: Sami Mettovaara, plus broader THE·TEAM global hockey reach.
Certified-agent support: Daren Hermiston, Ryan Ballard, Chris Lepkowski.
Platform support: player development, NHL Draft preparation, contract negotiation, philanthropy, health/wellness, brand building, marketing, and social media/content creation.
Testimonials / Media Characterization
THE·TEAM describes its hockey group as representing the game’s best and the game’s future.
The Hockey News noted Gagner’s ties to Edmonton and that he represented Evan Bouchard and Connor Brown at the time of its Oilers-agent overview.
Press, Awards & Recognition
2020, 2022, 2023 – Sports Business Journal: THE·TEAM/Wasserman lists three “Best Talent Representation of the Year” wins.
2025 – Pro Hockey Rumors / PuckPedia: Bouchard’s four-year, $42M extension.
