Oh Kevin Lowe...

So, I found this little doozy on one of the facebook groups that is anti Kevin Lowe and thought it was quite entertaining. Anyway, Kevin Lowe got his man. Dustin Penner is officially an Oiler. It's kind of weird to think of him that way. The Ducks will receive a first round, a second round, and a third round pick in the next Draft. Over the next 5 years Dustin Penner will receive $21.25 million. Penner had 29 goals and 16 assists last season. Dustin Penner will go to Edmonton being one of their top forwards. I'm kind of speechless. Burke's reaction was typical of Burke

''We don't believe these salaries make sense,'' Anaheim general manager Brian Burke said on a conference call. ''If I believe these salaries don't make sense and I match then I'm just as dumb as the team that extended the offer.''

The friendship between Lowe and Burke seems to be over. But, I think that Lowe put it best when he said this:

"I have not (called him) and I don't plan on it," Lowe said on a conference call. "I have one responsibility and one responsibility only - and that's to the Edmonton Oilers fans and the Edmonton Oilers ownership.

"I'm not in the business of trying to make friends. Never have, never will be."

Dustin had this to say about the pressure that was about to be put on him.

"The pressure that I receive from the media and fans won't be near the pressure of what I put on myself," said Penner. "I know myself I didn't peak this last year as a player in Anaheim.

"I don't know what my potential is, but I think in the next five years I'll find out."

Just a random thought though if Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe were to duke it out...who do you think would win? My money is on Burkie.

Get a good hard look Dustin, you won't be holding that for a long long time.

Dustin Penner

I really wanted to wait to write something about the 'Large Human' until he was officially a Duck or officially an Oiler, but, I can't wait anymore. Penner is one of my boys. He started his career with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks...so I got to watch him develop from his first game as a pro into the NHL player he is today.

Penner was tendered an offer sheet by the "desperate" Kevin Lowe. Is he really desperate? Well, yeah. But, if Dustin Penner continues to develop into a great NHL talent then the deal will make Lowe look like a genius. However, it is entirely possible that Lowe could have another Lupul situation on his hands.

Penner was always the Cinderella Story of the NHL. The kid that got cut from every team he tried to play for. The kid that went and played club hockey eventually earning a spot on the University of Maine's hockey team. Which then earned him a professional contract with the Ducks. I can't say I blame him for signing the five year $21.25 million dollar offer sheet. Although, selfishly I wanted him to stay with the Ducks because I think they have the potential to repeat. In about 24 hours we will know where Mr. Penner will be going...but wherever he will be I will be cheering for him. So listen up Jordi you better take good care of the kid and be nice if he ends up playing for the Oilers!!

I know that Kevin Lowe is staying with the rules in tendering these offer sheets however do you think this will affect his trading abilities? I mean given Buffalo's reaction saying:

"As it comes to the Edmonton Oilers," pledged Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn, "if there is an opportunity for us to put an offer sheet on a player any time as long as we're alive, we'll be very comfortable doing that. And they can expect that."

Those are some pretty big words...Larry Quinn wasn't too happy about the offer sheet. And, now with Burke's reaction was somewhat similar:

"I have no problem with offer sheets, they are part of the CBA," Burke said on a conference call. "I think it's a tool certainly a team is entitled to use. My issue here is this is the second time this year in my opinion Edmonton have offered a grossly inflated salary for a player, and it impacts on all 30 teams and I think it's an act of desperation by a general manager who is fighting to keep his job."

Here's some other bloggers take of the Penner situation.
Sleek's Ode to Penner
Finny already says goodbye
Mirtle pokes a little fun at Burke
Shmee has her take up

ATTENTION

Kevin Lowe is an idiot.

Captain Canada to...the New York Islanders?

I was going to do a big post on all the trades of the day...but why bother since the only one anyone really cares about is the Ryan Smyth trade. I am in shock. Smyth is set to be a free agent at the end of this season. So he is going to the Islanders...a team that as of right now is only a point out of the playoffs with some games in hand. I know people are saying this is a huge move on Lowe and a great move by Snow...I just don't think so. Smyth is a rental. I seriously doubt he will sign with the Islanders at the end of the season. In all honesty what if the Islanders are out first round they sent 3 guys to Edmonton for a rental that they didn't even use...he doesn't sign with them in the off season...he signs back with the Oilers. I mean how bad is Snow gonna look? I just checked in on the Oilers game...and they are getting shut out...at home...the night they retire Messier's number. I mean...how ironic. This team is known for giving away their heart and soul. I just can't believe it and don't have much else to say. I am sure more will come out about this tomorrow when Smyth talks to the press.