The Ottawa Senators are preparing for the next chapter by strengthening their leadership team off the ice. This week, the club announced two major additions — Sam Gagner as Director of Player Development and Matt Turek as General Manager of their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.
These changes show the Senators’ focus on building a strong future, both at the NHL and AHL levels, after parting ways with associate GM Ryan Bowness earlier this month.
Sam Gagner Starts a New Career After 1,000+ NHL Games
Veteran center Sam Gagner, who played over 1,043 NHL games during a 17-year career, is stepping into a new role with Ottawa as the Director of Player Development.
Gagner, 35, recently played for the Belleville Senators during the 2024-25 season on a professional tryout. In his short time with the AHL team, he tallied 10 assists in 19 games before stepping away at the NHL trade deadline.
Senators GM Steve Staios praised Gagner’s leadership qualities in a news release:
“Sam had an incredible career as a player, and we look forward to launching his next chapter. A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice.”
A Long and Respected NHL Journey
Gagner’s career began in 2007 when he was selected 6th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL Draft. He spent most of his career with the Oilers, playing 10 seasons in three separate stints.
In total, Gagner played for seven NHL teams: Edmonton, Arizona, Philadelphia, Columbus, Vancouver, Detroit, and Winnipeg. His best season came in 2016-17 with the Blue Jackets, where he posted 50 points in 81 games.
Although he played only 11 NHL playoff games, he has had success in international hockey. During the 2012 NHL lockout, he won the Spengler Cup with Team Canada, playing alongside stars like Patrice Bergeron, John Tavares, and Tyler Seguin. He also won gold at the 2007 World Juniors and had a standout junior season with the London Knights, scoring 118 points in 53 games.
Matt Turek Takes Over in Belleville
In another key move, the Senators named Matt Turek as the new General Manager of the Belleville Senators. Turek has plenty of experience in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), working as a GM and scout over the past decade.
He was part of two OHL championship-winning teams with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2018 and 2022, first as director of player personnel and later as general manager. He also worked as an amateur scout for the Montreal Canadiens from 2017 to 2022.
Senators GM Staios commented on Turek’s hiring, saying:
“Matt has managed a successful Ontario Hockey League team, and he has gained critical management skills and experience at that level. He’ll bring passion and leadership to our organization.”
Turek’s connection to the Senators’ ownership also stands out — Michael Andlauer, current Senators owner, previously owned the Hamilton Bulldogs before selling the team to the family of NHL player Zach Hyman. The Bulldogs have now appointed Spencer Hyman as their new GM.
With Sam Gagner joining the Senators in a leadership role after a long NHL career, and Matt Turek bringing strong junior hockey experience to Belleville, the Ottawa Senators are clearly focused on smart, strategic team development. These changes are expected to help the organization grow both on and off the ice, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent and leadership for years to come.
