Ryan Smyth (Wikimedia Commons)
The Edmonton Oilers have decided to take a chance on Ryan Smyth for two more seasons.
On Sunday, the opening day of NHL free agency, the Oilers re-signed Smyth to a two year deal worth $4.5 million. Smyth had 19 goals and 27 assists in 82 games this season.
Expect to see Smyth play more of a checking and leadership role for the Oilers, now that they have a ton of scoring up front. However I would still like to see him have significant minutes on the powerplay as he continues to be an intimidating presence in front of the net.
The Oilers also re-signed enforcer Darcy Hordichuk to a one year deal worth $850,000.
There were a few significant signings on Sunday as well. Ray Whitney signed a 2 year deal worth $9 million with Dallas from Phoenix. Whitney, a native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, recorded 77 points last season despite being 40 years of age.
Jason Garrison is returning to his home province of B.C. after signing a 6 year deal worth $27.6 million with the Canucks. Garrison, a native of White Rock, joins a Canucks team that lost defencemen Aaron Rome to Dallas and Sami Salo to Tampa Bay.
The Stars meanwhile lost former Oiler Sheldon Souray to Anaheim who signed a 3 year contract worth $11 million.
Another defenceman the Ducks acquired was Bryan Allen who came from Carolina. Allen was signed for three years at $10.5 million.
The Flames meanwhile lost David Moss to Phoenix, while the Canadiens acquired Brandon Prust from the Rangers.
Detroit also spent some money in bringing back Mikael Samuelsson and signing goaltender Jonas Gustavsson and veteran enforcer Jordin Tootoo. The Samuelsson and Gustavsson signings should come as no surprise because of the organization’s love for Swedes, but the Tootoo signing should be a surprise because Detroit rarely acquires an enforcer.
Tags: aaron rome, anaheim ducks, brandon prust, bryan allen, dallas stars, darcy hordichuk, david moss, detroit red wings, Edmonton Oilers, jason garrison, jonas gustavsson, jordin tootoo, mikael samuelsson, montreal canadiens, phoenix coyotes, ray whitney, ryan smyth, sami salo, Sheldon Souray, tampa bay lightning, Vancouver Canucks
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