Ryan Smyth Re-Signs With The Edmonton Oilers (As does Yann Danis)

Two years, $2.25 million annual cap hit, as per Darren Dreger.

My initial reaction is that this is an insanely good deal for the Edmonton Oilers. Ryan Smyth played the toughest available competition this season, saw a ton of time in the defensive zone, and is one of the few two-way wingers that the team can really trust. Beyond that, his offensive production this year is easily comparable to more hyped players, like Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan.

This is the second straight move where the Oilers have done an exceptional job. After landing a top prospect yesterday in Justin Schultz fat the cost of nothing more than an entry-level contract, today the Oilers have inked a bona fide top-nine winger – and, based on his year-long numbers, a top-six winger – for a little more money than they’ll pay guys like Eric Belanger and Ryan Jones.

Not only does the club hang on to a player who for years personified the franchise, but they’re getting quality for minimal dollars. This is a clear win for the team, and a message from Ryan Smyth that staying in Edmonton was more important than getting top dollar. Given the unpleasant things that have been said about Smyth’s character over the last few weeks, the latter message should be one that resonates with fans.

This is nothing but good news.

And moments after the Smyth news breaks, the Oilers announce via Twitter that third-string goalie Yann Danis has agreed to a one-year contract. Danis was named AHL Goalie of the Year last season, and is as good as third-string goalies get; if Khabibulin struggles, the Oilers will have a legitimate option to fill-in for him.

Dollar figures haven’t been announced, but the logical assumption is that it’s a two-way deal for reasonable money. Barring a major surprise, this is another strong move by the club.