Guest Writer: Smyth's Swan Song- Matt Henderson

Time for RS to hangem up!

I really hope he goes out in a classy way, like retiring and taking a role somewhere in the organization, rather than getting injured halfway through the season and just not coming back.

First off, tip the hat to Ek these guest writers are the best thing to happen this site. Although he countered that by hiring Yoda as ref.

As for the article I think there are a few keys that fans miss.

1 - Smyth has had bad finishes before coming to Edmonton, so it's not something new.

2 - Last year the guy really did nothing during the lockout. Not exactly something that is good for a guy his age. Does a real off-season help him?

3 - Why do they play Smyth so much? Sure it's going to suck paying him more than he is worth, but what the hell is with overplaying guys? Smyth shouldn't have hovered around 20 minutes a night in 11-12 and probably shouldn't have played more than 10 minutes last year. Why not try put this guy into a position where he can succeed? It's obvious he is retiring after next year so why not make it a year where he looks decent not horrible?


Who know maybe Smyth comes into camp in good shape and isn't used that much and still sucks, but I for one do think there is a chance he could be a valuable asset. Even if it is for the 1st half of the year having him could pay dividends.

There is also that chance that he comes into camp looks to be the 16th forward and retires.

Talyor Hall for the new Captain? If you'd have drafted Logan Couture instead of little Sammy Gagner he'd be getting it...but I digress.

I really hope he goes out in a classy way, like retiring and taking a role somewhere in the organization, rather than getting injured halfway through the season and just not coming back.
- nuckout

I think he should be hired to work with the Oil Kings. The guy is the ultimate description of a player that has very little NHL skills, but found a way to play 1200 games.

I really hope he goes out in a classy way, like retiring and taking a role somewhere in the organization, rather than getting injured halfway through the season and just not coming back.
- nuckout

I think it would be a good idea for them to exercise more nepotism, throw a business suit on him, and give him 300-400k a year for being a mouth breather behind the scenes. Interns can do the work, while Smyth beats off in the washroom and receives all the credit.

Talyor Hall for the new Captain? If you'd have drafted Logan Couture instead of little Sammy Gagner he'd be getting it...but I digress.
- LeftCoaster

Couture was a huge reach at 9, very doubtful we would've taken him. Even so who knows how he would've developed here.

Couture was a huge reach at 9, very doubtful we would've taken him. Even so who knows how he would've developed here.
- Lahey

Same could be said for SG, one good year with some star players in London and he goes 6th? Anyways, doesn't matter. Be interesting to see who they choose.

For the record, you had the 6th pick, not the 9th. Couture was ranked 19th and was chosen 9th overall by the Sharks.

Same could be said for SG, one good year with some star players in London and he goes 6th? Anyways, doesn't matter. Be interesting to see who they choose.

For the record, you had the 6th pick, not the 9th. Couture was ranked 19th and was chosen 9th overall by the Sharks.
- LeftCoaster

At the draft, I recall TSN saying that Gagner was the safest pick available.

At the draft, I recall TSN saying that Gagner was the safest pick available.
- laughs2907

I don't mind the kid, he's got talent and heart. Just think when you take a smallish player he needs to have good wheels, which Gagner does not.

Anyways I'm hijacking the thread...enough about Sam.

Same could be said for SG, one good year with some star players in London and he goes 6th? Anyways, doesn't matter. Be interesting to see who they choose.

For the record, you had the 6th pick, not the 9th. Couture was ranked 19th and was chosen 9th overall by the Sharks.
- LeftCoaster

I know, but it would've been a reach for us to take Couture. Gagner went were most expected.

I know, but it would've been a reach for us to take Couture. Gagner went were most expected.
- Lahey

Agreed, he was ranked 6th.

Props for what Smyth has done.

He has lost a huge step but...

I also think he could be useful this season if he accepts a much diminished role.

Nice write up. Usually things about RS try to turn him into some sort of blue collar demi-god so it's nice to see him written about the same way he played the game, honestly.

3 - Why do they play Smyth so much? Sure it's going to suck paying him more than he is worth, but what the hell is with overplaying guys? Smyth shouldn't have hovered around 20 minutes a night in 11-12 and probably shouldn't have played more than 10 minutes last year. Why not try put this guy into a position where he can succeed? It's obvious he is retiring after next year so why not make it a year where he looks decent not horrible?

- Lahey

You have some good points here regarding Smyth but what position can you put him in to succeed at this point in his career?

You have some good points here regarding Smyth but what position can you put him in to succeed at this point in his career?
- nated81

4th line LW, maybe some PK, maybe stand in front of the net on PP if the PP struggles.

It might not even be about him succeeding, but us getting the most out of him while he does the least damage to us.

Nice write up I am a big Smyth fan but it is getting harder and harder to say that every year. I hope he plays well this year with limited ice time and retires on a positive note.

4th line LW, maybe some PK, maybe stand in front of the net on PP if the PP struggles.

It might not even be about him succeeding, but us getting the most out of him while he does the least damage to us.
- Lahey

I was considering the same options for him but I kept going back to the fact that he is taking ice time away from younger players just to keep playing hockey. As much as I like the guy, I think its time for him to hang them up.

I think ek should hire this guy and Zillman

I was considering the same options for him but I kept going back to the fact that he is taking ice time away from younger players just to keep playing hockey. As much as I like the guy, I think its time for him to hang them up.
- nated81

Yes and no on the young guy thing. Who are the other options? Off the top of my head it's pretty much unproven talent from the AHL/Europe or guys like Brown and Eager.


It's not that I want him here, but for now he is here so like Horcoff I just deal with it and try find a way that it will work for us.

He is the prime example of hard work beats skill. I realize that he is old and almost done and i know it wont happen but it makes me sad to think he will never wear the C for the Oil. And I want more then anything for him to Ray Bourque it and win the cup in his last year.

Smyth is Captain Canada...represented our country countless times in Intnl play...he deserves nothing but respect..anyone who says otherwise is a (frank)ing douchbag...that is all

Good blog bud!

Same could be said for SG, one good year with some star players in London and he goes 6th? Anyways, doesn't matter. Be interesting to see who they choose.

For the record, you had the 6th pick, not the 9th. Couture was ranked 19th and was chosen 9th overall by the Sharks.
- LeftCoaster

Gagner dominated at the WJ the year he was drafted, outplaying Turris and pretty much everyone. He was one of the top players in his draft class and has outproduced Turris etc who still get praise while accomplishing much less on the ice.