Tuesday, February 27, 2007
NHL Trade Deadline Day
***Update: The Oilers will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. MST.***
***Trade Update*** Ryan Smyth has been traded to the New York Islanders for Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson, and a 1st Round pick for Ryan Smyth.
***Trade Update*** Dave Hale and a 5th Round pick have been traded to the Calgary Flames for a 3rd Round pick.
Here's the info on the Oilers current and expected salary cap space, just in case you need it. I'll post here if anything pops up, and will probably keep this post up top all day. Spector, Mirtle, Chris! and Tyler will be covering it all. Feel free to email Matt or I, or leave stuff in the comments, if you see anything on either the Flames or the Oilers. Three things to watch for, from the Oilers perspective:
1) Ryan Smyth signed, traded or neither.
2) Other players being traded (Sykora, Lupul, Torres, Tjarnqvist, Jussi, Smith, Winchester, prospects).
3) Other players coming in (you got me).
***Matt Morning Update: $21.8M / 4yrs***
Ryan Smyth should have all the leverage today, right? With the bell tolling for the Oil's playoff hopes on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon (and last night), plus the Messier thingy tonight, surely Lowe & Friends would really, really, really rather sign him to an extension than trade him, right? ...then again, I thought the NHLPA had all the leverage in July '05, when the NHL was beginning plans for suspending a second season, and that's exactly when the PA surrendered unconditionally.
I think the Smyth "third way" is quite possible, though -- neither sign nor trade him, then use from now until July 1 to mitigate the backlash of his leaving.
Also, here's the prediction of the year:
I just got a "Server Error in "/" Application - Runtime Error" at TSN.ca. Time? 9:28AM EST.
***Trade Update*** Ryan Smyth has been traded to the New York Islanders for Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson, and a 1st Round pick for Ryan Smyth.
***Trade Update*** Dave Hale and a 5th Round pick have been traded to the Calgary Flames for a 3rd Round pick.
Here's the info on the Oilers current and expected salary cap space, just in case you need it. I'll post here if anything pops up, and will probably keep this post up top all day. Spector, Mirtle, Chris! and Tyler will be covering it all. Feel free to email Matt or I, or leave stuff in the comments, if you see anything on either the Flames or the Oilers. Three things to watch for, from the Oilers perspective:
1) Ryan Smyth signed, traded or neither.
2) Other players being traded (Sykora, Lupul, Torres, Tjarnqvist, Jussi, Smith, Winchester, prospects).
3) Other players coming in (you got me).
***Matt Morning Update: $21.8M / 4yrs***
Ryan Smyth should have all the leverage today, right? With the bell tolling for the Oil's playoff hopes on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon (and last night), plus the Messier thingy tonight, surely Lowe & Friends would really, really, really rather sign him to an extension than trade him, right? ...then again, I thought the NHLPA had all the leverage in July '05, when the NHL was beginning plans for suspending a second season, and that's exactly when the PA surrendered unconditionally.
I think the Smyth "third way" is quite possible, though -- neither sign nor trade him, then use from now until July 1 to mitigate the backlash of his leaving.
Also, here's the prediction of the year:
When TSN’s website crashes (tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m.)...
I just got a "Server Error in "/" Application - Runtime Error" at TSN.ca. Time? 9:28AM EST.
# posted by andy grabia @ 3:00 pm 
Comments:
I wrote something on my own site last night wondering what sort of value Smyth has to the Oilers Hockey Club and what sort of value he has to the EIG separately.
My point was that if the EIG are't gonna spend to the cap anytime soon, and that they're probably making more money than they let on, so might it not be worth it to them in marketing sense to overpay a little for Smyth to be an Oiler for life?
It's a good point, and probably one that could be made about any player who comes to be synonymous with a city or a team.
I'm watching TSN right now, and am now pretty certain that they will pull off the Big Dirty, and announce Smytty's signing at the ceremony tonight. Just for effect. Can't you just see it?
And they are also talking about the rumour that Sutter is going to dump Playfair. What is going on in Calgary?
Just had the first Eklund "appearance." Ridiculous. I'm pretty sure Kypreos is going to rant about how dumb it is that he's around all day.
All these Bell commercials on both channels are going to kill me.
I'm now officially tired of Eklund. But I do love the air hockey sounds in the background on Sportsnet.
Based on the season to date, I predict the Oilers stand pat. Miss the playoffs. Smyth walks July 1 for nothing. In an interview with the Sun, Lowe expresses surprise that Smyth was a UFA ("I can't be expected to know these things. GM-ing is hard!"). Bob Beers and Shjon Podein re-join the team for next season.
Just giving Pat a hard time. Although if I have to watch Eklund's "alert" come up 600 more times, only to hear him spout of the same junk we all already know without being on a phone, I may have to kill someone. I can't believe he's going to get his site all those hits today. Uggh.
I think Maki undervalues Smyth's skill set, but other than that the article is fine.
I need a tutorial on this stuff - seriously.
Linking, putting the fancy italic stuff into the comments - I haven't the foggiest.
Andy? Tech Support? Hello?
LeGG to Calgary? I'm here for you Grabia ... let it all out big guy.
Apparently that's the option. He gets to choose Calgary or Pittsburgh. Can you imagine watching him in a Flames uni on Saturday night? I am actually very close to crying right now.
Biron to Philly, apparently. For Nashville's 1st rounder. Good trade for Philly and Buffalo. Philly needs a good body in net, and the Sabres need the cap space to do more moves.
Biron to the Flyers? Great move...two years ago when the Flyers were a playoff team hamstrung by shitty goaltending.
LOL. Eklund is just reporting that Buffalo picked up Conks for their backup. If true, IF, that's all kinds of hilarious.
Andy,
Peter Maher was on the FAN this morning reporting that the Flames are talking to the Coyotes about Owen Nolan and Le GG.
I would not mind seeing Le GG wearing the Flaming C. Nolan less so.
PS - Peter M is actually pretty well connected, so I expect there is some substance to this, unlike the Eklund BS
If Ty Conklin wins a Stanley Cup this year, just fold the Edmonton Oilers.
About 15 minutes later, and TSN hasn't committed to what pick is going back for Biron.
Wow. Nice questioning of Keenan on the Luongo trade there. Keenan says they offered him more in Florida, but he turned it down.
Keenan has said that before. They offered him $30MM for 5 years. He signed for $27MM for 4 years. So yeah, way to make a dishonest point, Mike.
Tyler
Who is this Crosby camp that TSN keeps speaking of? Does Sid have a posse controlling the franchise? Dreger just said Yanic Perrault might be going there, too.
apparently the pick going to Buffalo is the one Philly got from the Preds.
Holmgrem is doing a decent job.
If he could only find someone to take Hatcher.
I think it was Speeds who said this, but Le GG has a "drawing a penalty" ability that could be lethal in Pittsburgh. No one is mentioning that.
Eklun is saying 5 years, 22 million for Smyth, and will be announced within the hour. Oh please Lord, let him be right for once.
Real disconnect between the two networks. Each is confirming different things, while the other refuses to confirm it.
If Smyth signs that deal, his next move should be firing Don Meehan.
If that Eklund rumour is right, it's one fucked up world where Smytty makes slightly more than Eric Brewer (4.4M vs. 4.25M).
The aggrevating thing was last year at the trade deadline I suggested moving Laraque to Pittsburgh to protect Crosby, and most people thought I was nuts. Turns out it would have been the best way to get something for him. (Though it would have come at the cost of his participation in the cup run, which only means something had we won it).
Also, Eklund is claiming Ryan Smyth is going to take a 5 year offered by the Oilers this morning. Which means he'll be a Flame by noon local time.
If that Eklund rumour is right, it's one fucked up world where Smytty makes slightly more than Eric Brewer (4.4M vs. 4.25M).
Agreed, but it would similar to what Tucker did in Toronton ie. hometown discount.
Let's be fair to Buffalo. Not many goaltenders can say that they already destroyed a team's hopes in the Stanley Cup final. Conklin's already hit rock bottom! There's nowhere to go but up!
Of course, since Buffalo is my pick (well, was my pick) to grab the Stanley Cup, I am officially predicting that this will be remembered by our children as the most kick-in-the-nuts-tastic season in Oilers history since Steve Smith banked the puck off Grant Fuhr's leg.
Listening to Eklund speak as a guest on the local radio station last night was pure agony. He just rambles nonstop and takes 5 sentences to make the same goddamn point.
He also sounds younger than I figured him out to be...brings to mind a picture of some punk kid who missed the dotcom bubble and needs another way to cash in on sitting at home doing nothing.
Er... yeah, that last comment should have an "only" before "slightly".
If that Smyth rumour is correct I'll be standing right beside Messier at centre ice doing you know what.
If Smyth signs that deal, his next move should be firing Don Meehan.
Why? He's entitled to take less. Should Peyton Manning's agent be fired because he restructured his contract after winning the Superbowl MVP award, taking less money that he originally signed for?
How much has Smyth made over the years? Even with the hometown discounts he has taken.
The idea that he is stupid for taking only 22M over 5 years (if this is true) when he has already banked, what, 15M? 20M? over his career - well, we're always complaining about greedy and spoiled athletes going for the green.
If its true then kudos to him. Raise his number tonight.
Kypreos is certain that Bertuzzi is off to the Ducks, the Deal Girls are certain he's off to Detroit. So the Oilers are getting Crosby, Chara, and Iginla in a massive 4-team deal in return for Greene and Staois, right? RIGHT???
$22.5 Million over 5 yrs is
$5.5 / $5 / $4.5 / $4 / $3.5
That seems a tad low
Supposedly, pretty well the entire gaggle of waiver boys from yesterday cleared. So no Berard for Edmonton. Perhaps K-Lowe was made a little gunshy by Petr Nedved being so completely, utterly done.
Ooh, Brian Burke is coming up on TSN. I can't wait to hear him bitch and moan for 5 minutes about other teams and how bad the market is.
According to TSN, Phoenix is now denying the Laraque trade. Man, is either network reliable?
Well, let me see. One has Eklund, and the other is TSN. So no. I mean, when you're devoting nine hours of television coverage to six trades, two of which mean anything, you're gonna have to make some stuff up. That's just the business.
(Also, my word verifcation for this comment is 'mmawt', which sounds like something a puck bunny would say after seeing Mark Messier shirtless.)
Rishaug just said on TSN that a deal ISN'T done with Smyth. He also says that the ball is in the Oilers court on a deal, which would indicate to me that that Eklund report was waaaaay low. Not surprising, really.
God, Sportsnet's coverage is cringe-worthy. It's like watching the Chevy Chase show.
Agreed. The fake relaxedness is nauseating. I'm really liking Primeau, but that's about it.
Watching TSN is awesome right now. Healy is dissing everyone (his line about it not being big deal that Jagr missed practice today because he doesn't show up for games either was priceless), and Duthie taking off to talk on his Blackberry, and letting Keenan do the hosting, was just fine television.
That Eklund report has to be a complete guess on his part. Smyth would probably agree to a hometown discount, but that discount looks to be north of a million bucks a year from what he might get somewhere else. Nobody loves Edmonton that much. I can't see a top agent like Don Meehan letting a deal like that happen. (22 mill over 4 years, maybe).
Duthie taking off to talk on his Blackberry, and letting Keenan do the hosting, was just fine television.
Keenan looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Normally I'd be happy to see Keenan struggle, but it's hard to hate the guy right now.
Eklund is saying Edmonton is in the hunt for Gelinas, and that Buffalo might want Lupul. I'll believe this one because I want to. Can I chip in a few bucks to help get rid of Lupul?
What did you think of Roloson's comments?
Liked them. Liked them alot. I just wish they'd win those "big" games they keep referring to. They simply can't beat teams in the NW. That's the problem.
New rule: no more Eklund talk until he gets something right.
I know, I know. But I just want to see Lupul gone.
God, now he's talking about Smyth again.
Which would be the best addition?
Sopel, Zhitnik, Rivet, or Stuart?
Well, I think the answer is clear.
Here's my crazy scenario. Jason Smith is traded, Ryan Smyth signs, and Messier gives him the captaincy at the pre-game tonight. The crowd goes wild, and 12 people are stabbed on Whyte Ave tonight.
What did you think of Roloson's comments?
What did anyone expect him to say? "Frankly, we're a pretty shitty hockey club right now and I'd be as surprised as anyone if we make the playoffs this year. Our coaching staff is brutal, managment is clueless and ambivilant and you couldn't pry a penny from the owners' assholes with a good pair of pliars and a gallon of Astroglide. Thanks, Ryan."
Actually, thet'd be refreshing.
Keller from Buffalo here. Who on the sabres would be reasonable for Lupul?
Are you a fan or in management? In management, I say Drew Stafford and three 1st round picks. If a fan, you don't want him.
Forgive me father for I am about to sin...but IF Ryan Smyth was traded...
would 2 first round picks next year (20 and 30), Ales Kotalik and Sabres prospect Drew Stafford be enough?
Just curious to hear what offers have been floating around. I bet Smyth ends up an Oiler July 1st either way.
would 2 first round picks next year (20 and 30), Ales Kotalik and Sabres prospect Drew Stafford be enough?
Probably, though it ain't gonna happen. People will freak if Smyth is traded. I'm more convinced of that than ever.
Now, that might be enough for Lupul and Markkanen... :)
I hope the Oilers keep Lupul except in a Pitkanen-style situation where there's a home run to be had and Lupul is the price it would pay. Guys with his kind of talent don't come along every day, and as utterly hideous as he was at the beginning of the year, he's really gotten a lot better of late. I'd kinda like to see a line of 14-78-15 get some of the doughy minutes late in the season just to see what they can do together.
I mean, you have to be patient with scorers. We all know that, and I suspect that the reason people are eviscerating Lupul is that they're just venting on him from the whole Pronger debacle which was in no way his fault.
The point was alluded to on TSN: I still hate the new lowered UFA age rule. I'd rather see teams stick together more than 3-4 years (if that) instead of players in their prime moving around so much as rentals.
Hard to believe we'll talking about trading Crosby for draft picks in 5 or so years.
Just a reminder that, while the deadline is technically at 3:00 EST, there are a lot of deals that even TSN doesn't hear about until close to 4:00...
Which means we still have about two hours...
Usually there is a rush of middle of the pack trades that get reported just after 3:00...
That means i'm gonna be up till 5:00am.
ooooh, oleg sapyriken to ottawa.
these guys were dying for a trade.
I'm loving how, with all the Western Conference moves today, they keep showing highlights of [insert player name here] scoring on the Oilers. It's like a microcosm of the whole season.
Ward to Boston for...Paul Mara?
Huh? Does this make sense to anybody?
Did TSN confirm it? Because otherwise it's an Eklund report.
Ward and Jagr didn't like each other, so we knew who was going to win out on that one.
Did TSN confirm it? Because otherwise it's an Eklund report.
According to Onrait at TSN, Ward himself says he was traded for Mara...
If true, I dont get this deal from a Boston perspective.
What would Burke want with Brad May? The Ducks already lead the league in fighting majors...
Familiarity. If it doesn't cost them anything, I guess it's not a worry. Other than that, who the hell knows?
I love these Anaheim/Bertuzzi rumours. What a perfect nexus of hockey hate that team would represent.
Is it possible to cheer against a team more than you cheer FOR one?
That headcase Bertuzzi is toast. I hope the Ducks pick him up.
Bertuzzi to the Red Wings, according to Mackenzie. I'd suggest that's even worse than Anaheim. I mean, Chelio, Schneider, Holmstrom AND Bertuzzi on the same team?
Bert to the Wings?
The real interesting part will be to see what the Panthers got in return - if paltry, it'll make the Luongo trade even more lopsided than it already was.
I had never heard of Eklund before today, but my flash player on my work computer isn't working so I have to watch Sportsnet instead of TSN...
This guy sucks...
And that voice is soooo annoying...
Wait, why do we hate Schenider and Holmstrom?
I hate them. I can't speak to anyone else.
I don't know why people keep freaking about how big a deal getting Bertuzzi is. He hasn't played all year, and hasn't ever done squat without Marcus Naslund.
I had never heard of Eklund before today
That's actually kind of impressive.
Here's all you need to know. He's a fraud. Continue to ignore him.
I had never heard of Eklund before today, but my flash player on my work computer isn't working so I have to watch Sportsnet instead of TSN...
This guy sucks...
And that voice is soooo annoying...
What about The Score. They have Lebrun.
I don't know why people keep freaking about how big a deal getting Bertuzzi is.
I know. I checked the calendar a couple of times today and it's no longer 2003.
Don't care either way about Holmstrom but Schneider is a punk.
Wings picking up Calder and Bertuzzi - rolling the dice a little but I especially like the Calder pickup.
Don't know what happened in Philly but he was terrific in Chicago.
I thought Holmstrom was great last year in the playoffs. Ergo sum: I hate him.
Anyway, all of this "trade consumation" has made me hungry. I'm giving this Smyth thing another 30 minutes, otherwise I'm heading out for sushi, assuming Lowe gives Smyth whatever he wants between now and July 1.
Poor Pascal Dupuis. Also: what the hell is Phoenix doing?
Who is left for the 'Yotes to put on the ice tonight?
Good thing there is a ceremony before the game, Phoenix is going to need that extra time to bring in enough players!
Actually, I momentarily totally forgot that the Oil are playing this team tonight.
Keep the trades coming Mike Barnett!
From Onrait's blog:
2:21 - Duthie reminds Keenan that the guy he acquired for Roberto Luongo (Bertuzzi) has now been traded for a conditional draft pick. Mike is taking it well. If I were Duthie I would get a security escort out of that studio.
Duthie's body will be found outside the TSN studios later tonight.
I was going to make fun of Florida's management on the Luongo deal--which just got even more ridiculous--but then I imagined us trading Joffrey Lup for Manny Malhotra. Karma is a bitch, so I'll just keep quiet.
Who is left for the 'Yotes to put on the ice tonight?
JR is still waiting for his ticket out of town!
On the radio. For the sake of those wondering, that's deal in the sense of signing a contract, not a trade.
Maybe K-Lowe got shitfaced with the Moose last night and forgot today was deadline day. "Dude I totally spaced on the date!"
Remember the Samsonov deal didn't come over the wire until 3:30 EST last year iirc.
Still more to come yet, I think.
Ya, Norstrom has apparently been traded, too. I'm just gonna stick with TSN as my source from now on. Stupid Robin Brownlee.
Sounds like the Smyth deal is going to get done though Andy ... TSN said they are going back and forth feverishly (this on their site) - they have to be close and if they are close they will get it done
If they were far apart there wouldn't be so much activity.
Sounds like the Smyth deal is going to get done though Andy
Ya, to the Islanders.
I hope they litter the ice with garbage tonight.
Eklund is a fucking tool...
And from I can glance of his appearance, he looks like brownies probably beat him up in high school...
He refered to Smyth as the Oiler captain...
I really miss my TSN...
Responsible business decision? What the hell is Pierre Maguire talking about? They HAVE THE MONEY!!!
If to NYI hopefully they got Okposo
TSN now mentioning this
And why is Sykora still here, if Smyth is dealt?
Smyth confirms, he's been dealt.
Eklund got the report from reading another reporter's blog, and the guys are all patting him on the back for discovering the Smyth story... are they trying to do a little image repair for his incompetence the rest of today or something?
WOW. I can't believe the audacity. Trying to get a new rink for free, not spending to the cap, refusing to pick up a defenceman, trading THE freaking Oiler.
Is there a chance the fans riot tonight and kill all members of the EIG and burn down Rexall?
Nilsson, O'Marra, and a 1st for Smyth
On value it's a terrific deal (3 1st rounders) IF you weren't going to sign him. But damn does this hurt right now.
and why are Sykora, Markkanen, etc still here, if Smyth could be parted with?
I hate Kevin Lowe and the EIG as much as the rest of you do at the moment but I just have to say: that is unbelievable haul for Ryan Smyth. It's a ridiculous, simply ridiculous deal on the Islanders part. I loathe this deal from the sense that Ryan Smyth is the face of this team the past 12 years but from the prospect of the return that they got? Phenomenal.
It's a shame that they didn't decide what to do yesterday though - Sykora being here is ridiculous.
Well that should remove all doubt that Edmonton management is cheap.
Maybe Comrie was right all along......
Fuck you Muckler.
Oh well, at least it's for prospects.
Yes, because we don't have enough of them.
Great, now we'll have to watch Smyth and Messier cry tonight.
The audacity of this team. The utter audacity.
Andy: that was sarcasm on my part. Tough to convey.
Tyler: this deal only works if the prospects pan out. A big if, and if they do, we can expect the cheap cunts at the EIG to let them walk at the earliest opportunity.
Fuck this. Fuck you, Oilers. Just...fuck.
well, it's a great fuckign deal if Smyth comes back next year.
If smyth signs with the isles though in the next few hours...?
I'm not sure if I should cry, or tear up the flag in my cube in frustration. WTF happened to this team? Lowe was a genius last year, and now it looks like he'll be alienating pretty much the whole fan base with this move. Gawd.
Doesn't anyone think it's exceedingly likely the Oilers re-sign Smyth this summer?
Unless they signed him before the trade...
well, it's a great fuckign deal if Smyth comes back next year.
I don't even care. I never wanted to see him in another jersey. And we have prospects out of the ass. I'm not interested in being the Kansas City Royals.
Doesn't anyone think it's exceedingly likely the Oilers re-sign Smyth this summer?
Like in the A&E show Flip this House ... bust except a house, you get your "heart & soul" back?
Doesn't anyone think it's exceedingly likely the Oilers re-sign Smyth this summer?
Not if Snow gives him a 15-year deal first.
Smyth probably just wanted to play on a team with a chance.
Sadly, he ended up on Long Island instead.
Andy, that's pretty much what i was getting at in my own post. i guess we'll see tonight what smyth was worth to the oilers fans.
Holy shit, you guys traded away that Smyth? I didn't think things were that bleak.
I expect it is exceedingly unlikely the Oilers will sign the Mullet in the off-season. If they didn't like the price tag now, they won't like the asking price on July 1.
But wouldn't it be great if the Flames signed him this summer? Wouldn't it?
Mackenzie just said that this deal caught a lot of GMs off-guard who were ready to pay through the nose.
Grabia, dude. This isn't an Oilers blog. It's the Battle of Alberta.
Let people speak, don't be a censor of comments you don't want to hear. It's getting really old.
I actually feel kinda sorry for the Oil faithful right now. That'd be tough to take.
On the other hand, I think they got a decent return for him
THANKS TO THE EDMONTON INVESTORS GROUP FOR BEING THE BIGGEST IDIOTS OUTSIDE OF CALGARY.
I AM BEYOND PISSED.
THERE IS PISSED, THERE IS BEYOND PISSED AND THEN THERE'S ME.
Yeah, sure they're good young prospects. WE HAVE A LOT OF THOSE.
I hope they know they collectively ruined Messier's day to shine and any hope of me remaining an Oilers fan.
I've said from the beginning, where Ryan goes, so go I.
I sat and suffered through many trades knowing the Oilers were a cash strapped team.
I know how much I've spent on Oilers game tickets this year and last, playoffs included.
I know how much merchandise I bought.
I know how well our dollar is doing.
I know they made a killing in merchandise and at the gate.
So DO NOT TELL ME THAT THEY CAN'T AFFORD SMYTH.
This is bogus.
I hope their new "arena" they've been silently pushing for never comes to fruition.
I hope they all burn in hell.
You think Pocklington was hated? Give me the list of Oiler owners and pictures. I'll burn them in effigy.
Fuckers.
Grabia, dude. This isn't an Oilers blog. It's the Battle of Alberta.
Let people speak, don't be a censor of comments you don't want to hear. It's getting really old.
Dave, you're an idiot. You act like you matter. You don't matter. I leave up lots of comments from people who aren't Oilers fans. They just aren't you. Again, you don't matter. Don't pretend you do. It's getting really old.
Grabia and Matt wrote about the rules. If they don't like comments then they are gone. Complaining gets you nowhere.
C'mon Grace, part of being an Oiler fan is dealing with this kind of thing. Swear, curse, beat up your neighbor if you have to. But don't give up. Are you just going to pick another team to cheer for? No. Now just go drink a 40 of your favourite malt liquor, smoke a big fatty, whatever you have to do. And come back to us when the fog clears.
C'mon people, hold it together.
Can I ask why we still have Dwayne Roloson, Peter Sykora and Jussi Markkanen on this roster, if this was the deal?
That is until the Islanders might steal your blog away...
I think that the more accurate analogy is "...until you lend the Islanders your blog for three months after which it will be sold to the highest bidder and you get three high revenue internet sites in exchange for it."
How come none of these guys has actually looked at the salary cap numbers? None of these tv suits has told me why this deal was "too expensive."
Dave, you're an idiot. You act like you matter. You don't matter. I leave up lots of comments from people who aren't Oilers fans. They just aren't you. Again, you don't matter. Don't pretend you do. It's getting really old.
I think my irony meter just exploded..
Dennis Wideman for Brad Boyes? Wow.
Boston's looking pretty terrible on the trade front over the past few seconds.
Okay, I've calmed down. People can go back to making fun of the Oilers again. Just be gentle. Unless you're a Canes fan, you have no reason to brag about anything.
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I wrote something on my own site last night wondering what sort of value Smyth has to the Oilers Hockey Club and what sort of value he has to the EIG separately.
My point was that if the EIG are't gonna spend to the cap anytime soon, and that they're probably making more money than they let on, so might it not be worth it to them in marketing sense to overpay a little for Smyth to be an Oiler for life?
It's a good point, and probably one that could be made about any player who comes to be synonymous with a city or a team.
I'm watching TSN right now, and am now pretty certain that they will pull off the Big Dirty, and announce Smytty's signing at the ceremony tonight. Just for effect. Can't you just see it?
And they are also talking about the rumour that Sutter is going to dump Playfair. What is going on in Calgary?
Just had the first Eklund "appearance." Ridiculous. I'm pretty sure Kypreos is going to rant about how dumb it is that he's around all day.
All these Bell commercials on both channels are going to kill me.
I'm now officially tired of Eklund. But I do love the air hockey sounds in the background on Sportsnet.
Based on the season to date, I predict the Oilers stand pat. Miss the playoffs. Smyth walks July 1 for nothing. In an interview with the Sun, Lowe expresses surprise that Smyth was a UFA ("I can't be expected to know these things. GM-ing is hard!"). Bob Beers and Shjon Podein re-join the team for next season.
Just giving Pat a hard time. Although if I have to watch Eklund's "alert" come up 600 more times, only to hear him spout of the same junk we all already know without being on a phone, I may have to kill someone. I can't believe he's going to get his site all those hits today. Uggh.
I think Maki undervalues Smyth's skill set, but other than that the article is fine.
I need a tutorial on this stuff - seriously.
Linking, putting the fancy italic stuff into the comments - I haven't the foggiest.
Andy? Tech Support? Hello?
LeGG to Calgary? I'm here for you Grabia ... let it all out big guy.
Apparently that's the option. He gets to choose Calgary or Pittsburgh. Can you imagine watching him in a Flames uni on Saturday night? I am actually very close to crying right now.
Biron to Philly, apparently. For Nashville's 1st rounder. Good trade for Philly and Buffalo. Philly needs a good body in net, and the Sabres need the cap space to do more moves.
Biron to the Flyers? Great move...two years ago when the Flyers were a playoff team hamstrung by shitty goaltending.
LOL. Eklund is just reporting that Buffalo picked up Conks for their backup. If true, IF, that's all kinds of hilarious.
Andy,
Peter Maher was on the FAN this morning reporting that the Flames are talking to the Coyotes about Owen Nolan and Le GG.
I would not mind seeing Le GG wearing the Flaming C. Nolan less so.
PS - Peter M is actually pretty well connected, so I expect there is some substance to this, unlike the Eklund BS
# posted by 
: February 27, 2007 9:14 am
: February 27, 2007 9:14 am If Ty Conklin wins a Stanley Cup this year, just fold the Edmonton Oilers.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:18 am
: February 27, 2007 9:18 am About 15 minutes later, and TSN hasn't committed to what pick is going back for Biron.
Wow. Nice questioning of Keenan on the Luongo trade there. Keenan says they offered him more in Florida, but he turned it down.
Keenan has said that before. They offered him $30MM for 5 years. He signed for $27MM for 4 years. So yeah, way to make a dishonest point, Mike.
Tyler
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:37 am
: February 27, 2007 9:37 am Who is this Crosby camp that TSN keeps speaking of? Does Sid have a posse controlling the franchise? Dreger just said Yanic Perrault might be going there, too.
apparently the pick going to Buffalo is the one Philly got from the Preds.
Holmgrem is doing a decent job.
If he could only find someone to take Hatcher.
I think it was Speeds who said this, but Le GG has a "drawing a penalty" ability that could be lethal in Pittsburgh. No one is mentioning that.
Eklun is saying 5 years, 22 million for Smyth, and will be announced within the hour. Oh please Lord, let him be right for once.
Real disconnect between the two networks. Each is confirming different things, while the other refuses to confirm it.
If Smyth signs that deal, his next move should be firing Don Meehan.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:53 am
: February 27, 2007 9:53 am If that Eklund rumour is right, it's one fucked up world where Smytty makes slightly more than Eric Brewer (4.4M vs. 4.25M).
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:54 am
: February 27, 2007 9:54 am The aggrevating thing was last year at the trade deadline I suggested moving Laraque to Pittsburgh to protect Crosby, and most people thought I was nuts. Turns out it would have been the best way to get something for him. (Though it would have come at the cost of his participation in the cup run, which only means something had we won it).
Also, Eklund is claiming Ryan Smyth is going to take a 5 year offered by the Oilers this morning. Which means he'll be a Flame by noon local time.
If that Eklund rumour is right, it's one fucked up world where Smytty makes slightly more than Eric Brewer (4.4M vs. 4.25M).
Agreed, but it would similar to what Tucker did in Toronton ie. hometown discount.
Let's be fair to Buffalo. Not many goaltenders can say that they already destroyed a team's hopes in the Stanley Cup final. Conklin's already hit rock bottom! There's nowhere to go but up!
Of course, since Buffalo is my pick (well, was my pick) to grab the Stanley Cup, I am officially predicting that this will be remembered by our children as the most kick-in-the-nuts-tastic season in Oilers history since Steve Smith banked the puck off Grant Fuhr's leg.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:56 am
: February 27, 2007 9:56 am Listening to Eklund speak as a guest on the local radio station last night was pure agony. He just rambles nonstop and takes 5 sentences to make the same goddamn point.
He also sounds younger than I figured him out to be...brings to mind a picture of some punk kid who missed the dotcom bubble and needs another way to cash in on sitting at home doing nothing.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:56 am
: February 27, 2007 9:56 am Er... yeah, that last comment should have an "only" before "slightly".
# posted by : February 27, 2007 9:56 am
: February 27, 2007 9:56 am If that Smyth rumour is correct I'll be standing right beside Messier at centre ice doing you know what.
If Smyth signs that deal, his next move should be firing Don Meehan.
Why? He's entitled to take less. Should Peyton Manning's agent be fired because he restructured his contract after winning the Superbowl MVP award, taking less money that he originally signed for?
How much has Smyth made over the years? Even with the hometown discounts he has taken.
The idea that he is stupid for taking only 22M over 5 years (if this is true) when he has already banked, what, 15M? 20M? over his career - well, we're always complaining about greedy and spoiled athletes going for the green.
If its true then kudos to him. Raise his number tonight.
Kypreos is certain that Bertuzzi is off to the Ducks, the Deal Girls are certain he's off to Detroit. So the Oilers are getting Crosby, Chara, and Iginla in a massive 4-team deal in return for Greene and Staois, right? RIGHT???
$22.5 Million over 5 yrs is
$5.5 / $5 / $4.5 / $4 / $3.5
That seems a tad low
# posted by : February 27, 2007 10:13 am
: February 27, 2007 10:13 am Supposedly, pretty well the entire gaggle of waiver boys from yesterday cleared. So no Berard for Edmonton. Perhaps K-Lowe was made a little gunshy by Petr Nedved being so completely, utterly done.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 10:14 am
: February 27, 2007 10:14 am Ooh, Brian Burke is coming up on TSN. I can't wait to hear him bitch and moan for 5 minutes about other teams and how bad the market is.
According to TSN, Phoenix is now denying the Laraque trade. Man, is either network reliable?
Well, let me see. One has Eklund, and the other is TSN. So no. I mean, when you're devoting nine hours of television coverage to six trades, two of which mean anything, you're gonna have to make some stuff up. That's just the business.
(Also, my word verifcation for this comment is 'mmawt', which sounds like something a puck bunny would say after seeing Mark Messier shirtless.)
# posted by : February 27, 2007 10:33 am
: February 27, 2007 10:33 am Rishaug just said on TSN that a deal ISN'T done with Smyth. He also says that the ball is in the Oilers court on a deal, which would indicate to me that that Eklund report was waaaaay low. Not surprising, really.
God, Sportsnet's coverage is cringe-worthy. It's like watching the Chevy Chase show.
Agreed. The fake relaxedness is nauseating. I'm really liking Primeau, but that's about it.
Watching TSN is awesome right now. Healy is dissing everyone (his line about it not being big deal that Jagr missed practice today because he doesn't show up for games either was priceless), and Duthie taking off to talk on his Blackberry, and letting Keenan do the hosting, was just fine television.
That Eklund report has to be a complete guess on his part. Smyth would probably agree to a hometown discount, but that discount looks to be north of a million bucks a year from what he might get somewhere else. Nobody loves Edmonton that much. I can't see a top agent like Don Meehan letting a deal like that happen. (22 mill over 4 years, maybe).
# posted by : February 27, 2007 10:55 am
: February 27, 2007 10:55 am Duthie taking off to talk on his Blackberry, and letting Keenan do the hosting, was just fine television.
Keenan looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Normally I'd be happy to see Keenan struggle, but it's hard to hate the guy right now.
Eklund is saying Edmonton is in the hunt for Gelinas, and that Buffalo might want Lupul. I'll believe this one because I want to. Can I chip in a few bucks to help get rid of Lupul?
What did you think of Roloson's comments?
Liked them. Liked them alot. I just wish they'd win those "big" games they keep referring to. They simply can't beat teams in the NW. That's the problem.
New rule: no more Eklund talk until he gets something right.
I know, I know. But I just want to see Lupul gone.
God, now he's talking about Smyth again.
Which would be the best addition?
Sopel, Zhitnik, Rivet, or Stuart?
Well, I think the answer is clear.
Here's my crazy scenario. Jason Smith is traded, Ryan Smyth signs, and Messier gives him the captaincy at the pre-game tonight. The crowd goes wild, and 12 people are stabbed on Whyte Ave tonight.
What did you think of Roloson's comments?
What did anyone expect him to say? "Frankly, we're a pretty shitty hockey club right now and I'd be as surprised as anyone if we make the playoffs this year. Our coaching staff is brutal, managment is clueless and ambivilant and you couldn't pry a penny from the owners' assholes with a good pair of pliars and a gallon of Astroglide. Thanks, Ryan."
Actually, thet'd be refreshing.
Keller from Buffalo here. Who on the sabres would be reasonable for Lupul?
Are you a fan or in management? In management, I say Drew Stafford and three 1st round picks. If a fan, you don't want him.
Forgive me father for I am about to sin...but IF Ryan Smyth was traded...
would 2 first round picks next year (20 and 30), Ales Kotalik and Sabres prospect Drew Stafford be enough?
Just curious to hear what offers have been floating around. I bet Smyth ends up an Oiler July 1st either way.
would 2 first round picks next year (20 and 30), Ales Kotalik and Sabres prospect Drew Stafford be enough?
Probably, though it ain't gonna happen. People will freak if Smyth is traded. I'm more convinced of that than ever.
Now, that might be enough for Lupul and Markkanen... :)
I hope the Oilers keep Lupul except in a Pitkanen-style situation where there's a home run to be had and Lupul is the price it would pay. Guys with his kind of talent don't come along every day, and as utterly hideous as he was at the beginning of the year, he's really gotten a lot better of late. I'd kinda like to see a line of 14-78-15 get some of the doughy minutes late in the season just to see what they can do together.
I mean, you have to be patient with scorers. We all know that, and I suspect that the reason people are eviscerating Lupul is that they're just venting on him from the whole Pronger debacle which was in no way his fault.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 11:36 am
: February 27, 2007 11:36 am The point was alluded to on TSN: I still hate the new lowered UFA age rule. I'd rather see teams stick together more than 3-4 years (if that) instead of players in their prime moving around so much as rentals.
Hard to believe we'll talking about trading Crosby for draft picks in 5 or so years.
Just a reminder that, while the deadline is technically at 3:00 EST, there are a lot of deals that even TSN doesn't hear about until close to 4:00...
Which means we still have about two hours...
Usually there is a rush of middle of the pack trades that get reported just after 3:00...
That means i'm gonna be up till 5:00am.
ooooh, oleg sapyriken to ottawa.
these guys were dying for a trade.
I'm loving how, with all the Western Conference moves today, they keep showing highlights of [insert player name here] scoring on the Oilers. It's like a microcosm of the whole season.
Ward to Boston for...Paul Mara?
Huh? Does this make sense to anybody?
Did TSN confirm it? Because otherwise it's an Eklund report.
Ward and Jagr didn't like each other, so we knew who was going to win out on that one.
Did TSN confirm it? Because otherwise it's an Eklund report.
According to Onrait at TSN, Ward himself says he was traded for Mara...
If true, I dont get this deal from a Boston perspective.
What would Burke want with Brad May? The Ducks already lead the league in fighting majors...
Familiarity. If it doesn't cost them anything, I guess it's not a worry. Other than that, who the hell knows?
I love these Anaheim/Bertuzzi rumours. What a perfect nexus of hockey hate that team would represent.
Is it possible to cheer against a team more than you cheer FOR one?
That headcase Bertuzzi is toast. I hope the Ducks pick him up.
Bertuzzi to the Red Wings, according to Mackenzie. I'd suggest that's even worse than Anaheim. I mean, Chelio, Schneider, Holmstrom AND Bertuzzi on the same team?
Bert to the Wings?
The real interesting part will be to see what the Panthers got in return - if paltry, it'll make the Luongo trade even more lopsided than it already was.
I had never heard of Eklund before today, but my flash player on my work computer isn't working so I have to watch Sportsnet instead of TSN...
This guy sucks...
And that voice is soooo annoying...
Wait, why do we hate Schenider and Holmstrom?
I hate them. I can't speak to anyone else.
I don't know why people keep freaking about how big a deal getting Bertuzzi is. He hasn't played all year, and hasn't ever done squat without Marcus Naslund.
I had never heard of Eklund before today
That's actually kind of impressive.
Here's all you need to know. He's a fraud. Continue to ignore him.
I had never heard of Eklund before today, but my flash player on my work computer isn't working so I have to watch Sportsnet instead of TSN...
This guy sucks...
And that voice is soooo annoying...
What about The Score. They have Lebrun.
I don't know why people keep freaking about how big a deal getting Bertuzzi is.
I know. I checked the calendar a couple of times today and it's no longer 2003.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 12:28 pm
: February 27, 2007 12:28 pm Don't care either way about Holmstrom but Schneider is a punk.
Wings picking up Calder and Bertuzzi - rolling the dice a little but I especially like the Calder pickup.
Don't know what happened in Philly but he was terrific in Chicago.
I thought Holmstrom was great last year in the playoffs. Ergo sum: I hate him.
Anyway, all of this "trade consumation" has made me hungry. I'm giving this Smyth thing another 30 minutes, otherwise I'm heading out for sushi, assuming Lowe gives Smyth whatever he wants between now and July 1.
Poor Pascal Dupuis. Also: what the hell is Phoenix doing?
Who is left for the 'Yotes to put on the ice tonight?
Good thing there is a ceremony before the game, Phoenix is going to need that extra time to bring in enough players!
# posted by : February 27, 2007 12:33 pm
: February 27, 2007 12:33 pm Actually, I momentarily totally forgot that the Oil are playing this team tonight.
Keep the trades coming Mike Barnett!
From Onrait's blog:
2:21 - Duthie reminds Keenan that the guy he acquired for Roberto Luongo (Bertuzzi) has now been traded for a conditional draft pick. Mike is taking it well. If I were Duthie I would get a security escort out of that studio.
Duthie's body will be found outside the TSN studios later tonight.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 12:36 pm
: February 27, 2007 12:36 pm I was going to make fun of Florida's management on the Luongo deal--which just got even more ridiculous--but then I imagined us trading Joffrey Lup for Manny Malhotra. Karma is a bitch, so I'll just keep quiet.
Who is left for the 'Yotes to put on the ice tonight?
JR is still waiting for his ticket out of town!
On the radio. For the sake of those wondering, that's deal in the sense of signing a contract, not a trade.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 1:02 pm
: February 27, 2007 1:02 pm Maybe K-Lowe got shitfaced with the Moose last night and forgot today was deadline day. "Dude I totally spaced on the date!"
Remember the Samsonov deal didn't come over the wire until 3:30 EST last year iirc.
Still more to come yet, I think.
Ya, Norstrom has apparently been traded, too. I'm just gonna stick with TSN as my source from now on. Stupid Robin Brownlee.
Sounds like the Smyth deal is going to get done though Andy ... TSN said they are going back and forth feverishly (this on their site) - they have to be close and if they are close they will get it done
If they were far apart there wouldn't be so much activity.
Sounds like the Smyth deal is going to get done though Andy
Ya, to the Islanders.
I hope they litter the ice with garbage tonight.
Eklund is a fucking tool...
And from I can glance of his appearance, he looks like brownies probably beat him up in high school...
He refered to Smyth as the Oiler captain...
I really miss my TSN...
Responsible business decision? What the hell is Pierre Maguire talking about? They HAVE THE MONEY!!!
If to NYI hopefully they got Okposo
TSN now mentioning this
And why is Sykora still here, if Smyth is dealt?
Smyth confirms, he's been dealt.
Eklund got the report from reading another reporter's blog, and the guys are all patting him on the back for discovering the Smyth story... are they trying to do a little image repair for his incompetence the rest of today or something?
WOW. I can't believe the audacity. Trying to get a new rink for free, not spending to the cap, refusing to pick up a defenceman, trading THE freaking Oiler.
Is there a chance the fans riot tonight and kill all members of the EIG and burn down Rexall?
Nilsson, O'Marra, and a 1st for Smyth
On value it's a terrific deal (3 1st rounders) IF you weren't going to sign him. But damn does this hurt right now.
and why are Sykora, Markkanen, etc still here, if Smyth could be parted with?
I hate Kevin Lowe and the EIG as much as the rest of you do at the moment but I just have to say: that is unbelievable haul for Ryan Smyth. It's a ridiculous, simply ridiculous deal on the Islanders part. I loathe this deal from the sense that Ryan Smyth is the face of this team the past 12 years but from the prospect of the return that they got? Phenomenal.
It's a shame that they didn't decide what to do yesterday though - Sykora being here is ridiculous.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 1:41 pm
: February 27, 2007 1:41 pm Well that should remove all doubt that Edmonton management is cheap.
Maybe Comrie was right all along......
Fuck you Muckler.
Oh well, at least it's for prospects.
Yes, because we don't have enough of them.
Great, now we'll have to watch Smyth and Messier cry tonight.
The audacity of this team. The utter audacity.
Andy: that was sarcasm on my part. Tough to convey.
Tyler: this deal only works if the prospects pan out. A big if, and if they do, we can expect the cheap cunts at the EIG to let them walk at the earliest opportunity.
Fuck this. Fuck you, Oilers. Just...fuck.
well, it's a great fuckign deal if Smyth comes back next year.
If smyth signs with the isles though in the next few hours...?
I'm not sure if I should cry, or tear up the flag in my cube in frustration. WTF happened to this team? Lowe was a genius last year, and now it looks like he'll be alienating pretty much the whole fan base with this move. Gawd.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 1:46 pm
: February 27, 2007 1:46 pm Doesn't anyone think it's exceedingly likely the Oilers re-sign Smyth this summer?
Unless they signed him before the trade...
# posted by : February 27, 2007 1:48 pm
: February 27, 2007 1:48 pm well, it's a great fuckign deal if Smyth comes back next year.
I don't even care. I never wanted to see him in another jersey. And we have prospects out of the ass. I'm not interested in being the Kansas City Royals.
Doesn't anyone think it's exceedingly likely the Oilers re-sign Smyth this summer?
Like in the A&E show Flip this House ... bust except a house, you get your "heart & soul" back?
Doesn't anyone think it's exceedingly likely the Oilers re-sign Smyth this summer?
Not if Snow gives him a 15-year deal first.
Smyth probably just wanted to play on a team with a chance.
Sadly, he ended up on Long Island instead.
Andy, that's pretty much what i was getting at in my own post. i guess we'll see tonight what smyth was worth to the oilers fans.
Holy shit, you guys traded away that Smyth? I didn't think things were that bleak.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 1:55 pm
: February 27, 2007 1:55 pm I expect it is exceedingly unlikely the Oilers will sign the Mullet in the off-season. If they didn't like the price tag now, they won't like the asking price on July 1.
But wouldn't it be great if the Flames signed him this summer? Wouldn't it?
# posted by : February 27, 2007 1:57 pm
: February 27, 2007 1:57 pm Mackenzie just said that this deal caught a lot of GMs off-guard who were ready to pay through the nose.
Grabia, dude. This isn't an Oilers blog. It's the Battle of Alberta.
Let people speak, don't be a censor of comments you don't want to hear. It's getting really old.
I actually feel kinda sorry for the Oil faithful right now. That'd be tough to take.
On the other hand, I think they got a decent return for him
THANKS TO THE EDMONTON INVESTORS GROUP FOR BEING THE BIGGEST IDIOTS OUTSIDE OF CALGARY.
I AM BEYOND PISSED.
THERE IS PISSED, THERE IS BEYOND PISSED AND THEN THERE'S ME.
Yeah, sure they're good young prospects. WE HAVE A LOT OF THOSE.
I hope they know they collectively ruined Messier's day to shine and any hope of me remaining an Oilers fan.
I've said from the beginning, where Ryan goes, so go I.
I sat and suffered through many trades knowing the Oilers were a cash strapped team.
I know how much I've spent on Oilers game tickets this year and last, playoffs included.
I know how much merchandise I bought.
I know how well our dollar is doing.
I know they made a killing in merchandise and at the gate.
So DO NOT TELL ME THAT THEY CAN'T AFFORD SMYTH.
This is bogus.
I hope their new "arena" they've been silently pushing for never comes to fruition.
I hope they all burn in hell.
You think Pocklington was hated? Give me the list of Oiler owners and pictures. I'll burn them in effigy.
Fuckers.
# posted by : February 27, 2007 2:00 pm
: February 27, 2007 2:00 pm Grabia, dude. This isn't an Oilers blog. It's the Battle of Alberta.
Let people speak, don't be a censor of comments you don't want to hear. It's getting really old.
Dave, you're an idiot. You act like you matter. You don't matter. I leave up lots of comments from people who aren't Oilers fans. They just aren't you. Again, you don't matter. Don't pretend you do. It's getting really old.
Grabia and Matt wrote about the rules. If they don't like comments then they are gone. Complaining gets you nowhere.
C'mon Grace, part of being an Oiler fan is dealing with this kind of thing. Swear, curse, beat up your neighbor if you have to. But don't give up. Are you just going to pick another team to cheer for? No. Now just go drink a 40 of your favourite malt liquor, smoke a big fatty, whatever you have to do. And come back to us when the fog clears.
C'mon people, hold it together.
Can I ask why we still have Dwayne Roloson, Peter Sykora and Jussi Markkanen on this roster, if this was the deal?
That is until the Islanders might steal your blog away...
I think that the more accurate analogy is "...until you lend the Islanders your blog for three months after which it will be sold to the highest bidder and you get three high revenue internet sites in exchange for it."
# posted by : February 27, 2007 2:08 pm
: February 27, 2007 2:08 pm How come none of these guys has actually looked at the salary cap numbers? None of these tv suits has told me why this deal was "too expensive."
Dave, you're an idiot. You act like you matter. You don't matter. I leave up lots of comments from people who aren't Oilers fans. They just aren't you. Again, you don't matter. Don't pretend you do. It's getting really old.
I think my irony meter just exploded..
Dennis Wideman for Brad Boyes? Wow.
Boston's looking pretty terrible on the trade front over the past few seconds.
Okay, I've calmed down. People can go back to making fun of the Oilers again. Just be gentle. Unless you're a Canes fan, you have no reason to brag about anything.
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