Absolutely, the team needs some grit and leadership. Regardless if he has slowed with age, or was simply overused by Renney this year, he can fill a role on the 3rd line for 1 more year or perhaps 2.
Offer him a 2 year contract at sub $2 million. If he isn't interested then goodbye.
I was all for resigning Hemsky too, but at $5 million per we definately overpaid ... not Khabi overpay, but overpay nonetheless. This organization has got to stop giving money away when it's not warranted, Khabi, Horcoff etc. .... this will come back to haunt us when it's time to resign Hall, Eberle etc.
All that "Grit and leadership" amounted to was 14 points in the last 44 games. Pass.
I don't want smyth back. He is a huge reason we did not make the playoffs. The wheels fell off after December. He brings nothing Hartikainen can't bring. I don't even think the young guys respect him.... Legacy or not he skates at an ECHL level.
I don't want smyth back. He is a huge reason we did not make the playoffs. The wheels fell off after December. He brings nothing Hartikainen can't bring. I don't even think the young guys respect him.... Legacy or not he skates at an ECHL level.
That's a insult to the ECHL. I would go with beer league
I love Ryan as much as the next guy but he has been terrible in the second half of the season. He is just taking ice time away from other prospects. Only way I see him back is like the rest of you have mentioned. At a extremely reduced role.
Last edited by special blend: 04-08-2012 at 11:58 AM.
Reason: spelling
I don't want smyth back. He is a huge reason we did not make the playoffs. The wheels fell off after December. He brings nothing Hartikainen can't bring. I don't even think the young guys respect him.... Legacy or not he skates at an ECHL level.
He never skated or shot the puck well. That is not the point. And what he brings, Hartikainen doesn't have.
He never skated or shot the puck well. That is not the point. And what he brings, Hartikainen doesn't have.
What is that? Leadership? Heart?
I'm not even sure people respect him in the room. I know I wouldn't if he sucked at playing hockey. At the end of the day, leadership is what coaching is for...players need to be able to play. How much respect should hall have for a guy who can't shoot, can't skate, and who generally loses the puck and is on for more goals against than for in the second half of the season?
Again, I respect the past and what smyth did, but rationally, the guy is done. He should hang them up. I would offer him a scouting position within the organization though without a doubt.
Yes. Why wouldnt we re-sign our 3rd leading goal scorer if he wants to be here? Just becasue he had a poor ending to the season?
He was the only Oiler to play every game this season, but at his age, maybe he should have been sat a few games here and there. The long season looked like it was taking its toll on him.
I'm not even sure people respect him in the room. I know I wouldn't if he sucked at playing hockey. At the end of the day, leadership is what coaching is for...players need to be able to play. How much respect should hall have for a guy who can't shoot, can't skate, and who generally loses the puck and is on for more goals against than for in the second half of the season?
Again, I respect the past and what smyth did, but rationally, the guy is done. He should hang them up. I would offer him a scouting position within the organization though without a doubt.
You are talking out of your ass, and rational has nothing to do with it. Your generalizations are incorrect and ranting about the abilities of one of the more effective Oilers is nonsense. He will no doubt take a large paycut and a smaller role in the offence. But having him on the team is important.
You are talking out of your ass, and rational has nothing to do with it. Your generalizations are incorrect and ranting about the abilities of one of the more effective Oilers is nonsense. He will no doubt take a large paycut and a smaller role in the offence. But having him on the team is important.
Really? I don't think its important for Smyth to be here next year. He has no physical game, takes dumb penalties, is good at defending himself but not other guys, and skates worse than Andy Sutton.
Forget sentimentality, its time to build a winning team and we would be better off without Smytty imo.
You are talking out of your ass, and rational has nothing to do with it. Your generalizations are incorrect and ranting about the abilities of one of the more effective Oilers is nonsense. He will no doubt take a large paycut and a smaller role in the offence. But having him on the team is important.
Oh Pleez time to cut this luv affair. sounds like your rather willing to see Smyth play with a cane, over a young prospect We're alreday stuck with freaking "important" veteran- Horcoff
You are talking out of your ass, and rational has nothing to do with it. Your generalizations are incorrect and ranting about the abilities of one of the more effective Oilers is nonsense. He will no doubt take a large paycut and a smaller role in the offence. But having him on the team is important.
What do you disagree with?
All I said is that Smyth does not look like an NHL player but that I like his personality and would welcome him as a scout....
The main reason that Smyth was traded for this year was sentimentality. He still produced 20 goals for the Kings in his last year, so it was a good gamble as the team was still in rebuild mode.
It felt good for at least one player wanted to come back to Edmonton. I highly doubt edmonton connected players like Doan and Whitney would come here in their twilight years unless you pay them a lot.
Tough decision whether to re-sign for next year. If they don't it's not a major loss. It depends who they think can fill his role.
