ATTENTION

Kevin Lowe is an idiot.

Dear Mr. Pronger

Dear Mr. Pronger,

I have been a supporter of yours for some time now. I watched you last year as you completely dominated in the Stanley Cup Final. Sure, you hit Smyth with a puck in the face but you played hard and I was grateful for that. Then, when you came to the Ducks, one of the teams that I like to consider a bit mine, I said ok, I like this guy he's going to help them go all the way. I even supported when you hit Homer in the head, I was mad at you, but I said, hey it's tough out there to stay calm. When they suspended you for that one game, I said alright he'll learn his lesson and not do this again. Then it became time for the Stanley Cup Finals to start. I said great two teams that I actually enjoy watching and like are going to the Finals. I was happy for everyone involved. I watched Games 1 & 2 and was happy for the Ducks and YOU that you were half way there. But, during game 3 you let me down. It's not ok to elbow people in the head. You should be suspended for the rest of the playoffs and I hope you are. I'm done supporting you. I will boo you ever single time you touch the puck. And, IF you do get your name on the Stanley Cup...I hope they don't show you skating around with it. People like you don't deserve it.

Sincerely,

A disappointed ex fan of yours

AND, in case you missed the hit here is a clip of it.

Ok so here is what I have to say looking back...

I have gone back and fourth on this stupid Ryan Smyth trade. He is one of my best friends favorite player so I do have a certain amount of knowledge about him…and what he was to the Oilers and what he meant to that team. You saw last night the Oilers were lost without him…getting shut out at home to one of the worst teams in the NHL. So, here's what I now think about it.

Could it be that "Captain Canada" really is just another money hungry hockey player…like Zdeno Chara or Jaromir Jagr? I think it's quite possible. You look at a guy like Smyth and you think oh the face of the Edmonton Oilers right? Every team has the face of the franchise…for Columbus it's Rick Nash…for Washington it's Alexander Ovechkin…and for the Devils…it's Martin Brodeur. The first two are so new to the hockey world that I can't really talk about how they compare to Ryan Smyth because quite frankly we don't know that they will be franchise players. Martin Brodeur however will never play for another team. He made sure of it. Brodeur in fact on the last contract he himself negotiated took LESS money in the beginning so that his team could have more money to build a stronger team. Now, granted towards the end of his contract he says he will be making more money than what he is worth. (In my opinion you couldn't give this guy enough money but that's just me) But, Smyth wanted too much money. He is in his prime right now…and 5 years from now he'd be far into a down hill spiral. I am not trying to take away from Smyth at all. He is an amazing player and a great player who plays all heart every night. If Smyth really cared about this franchise don't you think he'd be willing to sacrifice some money so that the Oilers would be able to sign other skilled guys? I do. I really don't think that Smyth will go back to the Oilers. It's a nice thought but highly unlikely. He will go to whoever offers him the most money. So now I wonder…is this the end of all the heart and soul players? Are there any more left other than Marty? I don't think so…and that's a sad thought. I do wish Smyth the best of luck on the Island…and for the Oilers fans…I'm really sorry you lost him.

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.

TRADE DEADLINE DAY!!

Ok everyone I know I said I would do all of this when I got home tonight but I figure why not start now?
* DOMINIC MOORE went to the Minnesota WILD for a third round pick.
* BILL GUERIN was sent to the San Jose SHARKS for a first round pick and future considerations
* GEORGES LARAQUE was sent to the Pittsburgh PENGUINS for DAN CARCILLO and an eigth round pick
* TY CONKLIN went to the SABRES...still waitin on what CBJ got for him
* MARTIN BIRON went to the FLYERS for a draft pick
* GARY ROBERTS went to the PENGUINS for NOAH WELCH
I will be writing more about these trades just trying to get them up for now. No worries...I know everyone is probably blogging these right now...but I just don't have the time today.

*****Just a note...the Edmonton Oilers still have not signed Ryan Smyth*****