Senators hire Sam Gagner as director of player development; Matt Turek named AHL GM

Ottawa Senators general manager and president of hockey operations Steve Staios announced Thursday that the club has named Matt Turek the Belleville Senators GM.

Staios also announced that Sam Gagner was named the director of player development for the hockey club.

A veteran of 1,043 NHL games counting stops with the former Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Winnipeg Jets, and three separate stints with the Edmonton Oilers, Gagner racked up 197 goals and 332 assists for 529 points in his 17-year NHL career. With the Blue Jackets in 2016-17, Gagner finished with a career high of 50 points coming in 81 games, one of two seasons in which he also participated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“Sam had an incredible career as a player and we look forward to launching his next chapter,” says Staios. “A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice.”

Gagner spent the 2024-25 season with the Belleville Senators, registering 10 points in 19 games.

Turek previously served as general manager with the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs from 2022 to 2025. Turek joined the Bulldogs during the 2015-16 season as a scout. He moved up in the organization and took on the role of director of player personnel ahead of the 2018-19 season, playing a key role with the 2018 and 2022 OHL championship teams. 

“Matt has managed a successful Ontario Hockey League team and he has gained a critical management skills and experience at that level,” says Staios. “In addition to his experience, Matt will bring passion and leadership to our organization.”