Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Shock and Awe

Well Ryan Smyth is now an New York Islander. The Oilers get in return: 2 prospects and a first round draft pick for 2007. Shocking? Fuck yes.

Even more shocking are the other deals Kevin Lowe made. That's right folks, he did not make any other trades. Why is Sykora, Jussi, Shaggy, Peterson, etc on this team? They are free agents in July so why not get rid of them too? From trading Smitty to not making any other trades, you've basically told the fans: we're giving up and looking towards next year. Thanks.

Even better news: I got my season ticket renewal today. Shocking, the prices go up again next year. Not the 20 percent they did last year. It looks like 6-8%. Better than the shocking 20 from last year. I'll renew, but I'm not fucking happy about this team. What is the plan Kevin??? Apparently, he did not make this deal for financial reasons, or so he says.

Following today’s trade, Oilers General Manager, Kevin Lowe said “I want to be very clear that making this trade today is a hockey decision. It was not financial. The CBA we operate with in the NHL today means you need to have a sound hockey strategy and stick to it. Today we turned a page for sure – but this is not as much about the Oilers today, but what we continue to do as part of an overall plan. Our decision is about the direction we want to take and the opportunities we have today and tomorrow with the brilliant young players we have acquired and those we have in the organization. I want everyone to know that our decision was much more to do with a plan than a reaction. Ryan is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our opportunity is to have a sound strategy for the future.I would also like to say that Ryan Smyth has contributed a great deal over 12 seasons here in Edmonton. He should be thanked for his contribution on the ice and in the community.”

So now what? What is the plan? Oh yes, we are in a rebuilding phase. Thanks. I'm so excited for the remaining 20 games of the season. Being 9 pts out of the playoffs, the season is practically over. I would be shocked if this team made the playoffs. The mediocre players this year will have to step up (hello Lupul, that means you. Also Pisani and Torres, oh Sykora as well).

Messier is getting his number retired tonight and this obviously overshadows his night. I'm going to try to enjoy the night, enjoy watching Messier and all the former Oilers in the house. I will try to make this night about Smitty.

Lowe, you are going to be boo'd tonight, so get ready for it. I do not believe this is entirely your fault. Smitty and his lack of participation needs to mentioned. Everytime he was asked about the contract negotiations, he stated, "I haven't heard anything from my agent." Smyth, get fucking involved. This trade lies on your shoulders more so than Lowe. I believe he offered plenty of money, more than you are worth, but you dug in and became like so many other Oilers, Weight comes to mind. Ryan, I am more angry with your greed than Lowe's inability to get this done earlier in the season.

I'll blog more about Messier at the winspear last night and of course tonight's celebration. Messier has been my favorite player, and I absolutely adore him. I loved his style of play, and yes he was a dirty player at times. I loved it. He was the Gordie Howe of our generation, but better. He was gritty, determined, physical and his love of hockey was so evident. It was be a great night with number 11 going to the rafters, but of course, the Oilers will lose. Don't they always lose ceremony games? Oh and they have the emotion of seeing Smitty walk out of the dressing room.

One question before I take off for Rexall: would Smitty return in the summer and sign as a free agent? I'm not sure. He would probably want even more money than what was offered today, so I would be shocked if that occured.

10 comments:

Red said...

I'm in complete awe here. I simply can NOT understand why the Oilers organization can't keep a great player for long term. Has anyone actually retired as an Edmonton Oiler? Or do we always ship our players out to the Oil graveyard known as New York. This is quite simply the worst day of my life. If you want to talk re-building, I suggest not only looking at the players. New management, coaching, and for the love of Oil, SOME DEFENSIVE TALENT!

MacS said...

Kyle is not here right now, if you would like to leave a message he will get right back to you...

Messier coming out with the cup was really hard to take. I had to chuckle a little though as he was crying the second he stepped out onto the ice. I love Moose.

Marsha said...

I really think Lowe/MacT need to go. This franchise needs a shakeup. Except for the amazing cup run of last year, this team struggles way too much. They have the talent but can't put it together. They need outside help.

I love the Moose. And nice to see him bawling. Still hard to see the Cup....I have flashbacks of last year. Horrible stuff.

I think Smitty should have been resigned last summer. They had to take care of Roli first, yes get him signed. But Smitty should have been next, before Horcoff, Pisani, and Hemmer got their big fat paychecks.

The Oilers were a mess tonight. You could see how it affected them. Bad game.

Anonymous said...

I don't want to believe it, but I think you're right about Ryan's greed. I like to think the best about a person but maybe it was time for him to put hockey/Edmonton/fans over money. It makes us Edmontonians feel like crap when players keep leaving like this.

Anonymous said...

Please say it was a bad dream ...

I'm so glad others felt the same way about seeing the Stanley Cup in Rexall Place! It was so hard to see!

As for Smyth, I'm torn between feeling really sad and really upset. He should have been more involved in the negotiations, but on the other hand, business is business.

I've heard it for awhile now, but it's worth repeating: if they were willing to trade Wayne, anyone is up for grabs.

Shannon

Anonymous said...

Sigh, the cup in Rexall. Where it should always belong.

I don't know what to think about this anymore. Lowe too stingy? Ryan too greedy? So many questions.

Oh my goodness, Ryan is tearing up during his press conference.

Gahhh. I hate this.

Red said...

I find solstice in pretending that the cup that Moose came out with was a replica and not the real one. I think that having the cup present was in bad taste. It was kind of like having your ex over for dinner, you may be glad to see her, but it just feels... awkward!

Marsha said...

Or calling up an ex for a booty call. Sure it feels good in the moment, but the second you've done with him, you wish you could erase what just happened.

Of course, my analogy does not come from life experience.

Red said...

Of Course.

Zellow Yebra said...

Here's a thought. The first guy who is gonna become a start to finish member of the Edmonton Oilers for his entire career is probably going to be Fernando Pisani. Think about it.