NHL Free Agency

gw, I liked Nylander, but I agree with you that the Rangers have gained in this rush to sign free agents.

The Oilers got Pitkanen and Sanderson for Smith and Lupul... and signed Tarnstrom who was with us during our 06 cup run as well as Grebeshkov. After our huge falling out at the end of last season, any spark that could turn the Oilers into a cup contender again is a good one.

gwillikers said:

the trades are all quite interesting

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Sadly, gw, these aren't trades. Like many of you, I remember when teams traded rather than spent in their pursuit of success. I also remember when an elite player could reasonably expect to spend his entire career with one team. I can't speak for others, but my growing indifference to the NHL stems more than anything from the switch from team loyalty and player loyalty to fiscal loyalty.

Some of you will remember Gary "Suitcase" Smith, who got his nickname from the number of times he changed teams. Check here to see how free agency has changed our perspective on player movement.

The Globe and Mail had a lead article about this issue in their sports section. 70 years of contracts and over $300 million (US of course) in payments. Teams like the NY Rangers might be able to afford these outlandish salaries, but teams like Edmonton and Calgary can't. Not sure if Vancouver or Montreal can as well. The Leafs might be able to get close to paying these salaries ............. but not close enough to win a Stanley Cup. We shall see.

Kazak said:

Some of you will remember Gary "Suitcase" Smith, who got his nickname from the number of times he changed teams. Check here to see how free agency has changed our perspective on player movement.

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If Ryan Smyth wasn't safe in Edmonton, all bets are off. I actually thought he'd be back in Edmonton, but he's Avalanche property now.
The thing is, once these players get a taste of free agency (and Smyth is a good example) their old loyalties often fall by the wayside. It's sort of a 2 way street, lined with money.

Sadly, this sort of free agency is seen in the other three big professional sports ............. or should I say businesses.

If Ryan Smyth wasn't safe in Edmonton, all bets are off. I actually thought he'd be back in Edmonton, but he's Avalanche property now.

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I REALLY didn't want to see him go there.

It is always interesting to see how players do against their old teams the following year.

It's like guys and breaking up with a girl they really love and were truly committed to and wanted to settle down with, once it's over, I guess they don't really give much of a fudge anymore.

Nylander had actually agreed to a contract with Edmonton in writing. Edmonton is mad and trying to get him back.

Oilers cry foul over Nylander signing