WWYDW: Ryan Smyth
By baggedmilk
8 years ago
A couple days ago, Jim Matheson wrote a story over at the Journal about Ryan Smyth looking to get back into hockey in some capacity. He goes on to mention, in the article, that Smytty’s first choice for employment would obviously be with the Oilers. To me this seems like a logical fit, but what I think doesn’t matter. I want to know what you think.
RYAN SMYTH IS A HERO
Unless you’re crawling out from under the rock of obscurity you know Ryan Smyth as the mulletted hero that bled orange and blue for most of career. For years, Ryan Smyth was the best player to a generation of fans that missed the glory years. Smytty played the game with his heart on his sleeve, and more often than not the puck off his face. I remember the day he was traded to the New York Islanders, my eyes welling up with tears as I saw the news break on TSN. I remember the heartbreak of his teary goodbye at the airport, and the elation I felt when he asked to be traded back home.
In case you need a recap of what Ryan Smyth has done with the Oilers (I don’t care about the other three teams he played for) his stats are listed here:
| REGULAR SEASON | |
| GP | 1270 |
| Goals | 386 |
| Assists | 456 |
| Points | 842 |
| PIMs | 976 |
| “Y’Knows” | 6009 |
| PLAYOFFS | |
| GP | 93 |
| Goals | 28 |
| Assists | 31 |
| Points | 59 |
| PIMs | 88 |
| “Y’Knows” | 3132 |
Would Ryan Smyth be able to bring the same passion he showed on the ice into a board room? Would Smytty be able to share what he learned as an Olympic gold medalist with prospects that are expected to carry this franchise back to glory?
WHAT HE SAID AND WHAT HE CAN DO…
From Matheson’s article:
“I would like to sit down with (Oilers Entertainment Group chief executive officer) Bob Nicholson and see what they’re thinking,” Smyth said. I want to be involved in hockey but I don’t know in what capacity.“It’s something I’ve thought about, something I’ve processed … I’ve also thought about Hockey Canada. Maybe that would be a good option. But I’d like to talk to Bob (Nicholson)”
After reading Matheson’s article it is obvious that Smytty’s first choice for employment is with the organization that he spent most of his career with. What Ryan Smyth has done as a player cannot (AND WON’T!) be questioned, but what he can offer in a management capacity is up for debate. This is what I’m asking you to tell me.
What could Ryan Smyth do for the Oilers, and where do you see him fitting in their management/scouting/development group? Does Ryan Smyth even fit in the organization?
Another idea that’s been floating around is for Ryan Smyth to be the one to take in prized prospect Connor McDavid.
“Haven’t been contacted at all (about McDavid) … it’s all rumours. I haven’t put my name forward. It’s not that I haven’t thought about it though,” said Smyth, admitting his kids would be thrilled having McDavid in their house.“I want the Oilers to excel going forward and Connor is going to be a big part of it, but you also have to protect the kid.”
To me, having the future of the Oilers stay with the heart and soul of the organization seems, once again, like a logical fit. That being said, this is WWYDW and I want to know what you think.
Let me know where you see Ryan Smyth fitting with the organization that he carried for so long and why he would be a good fit. If you don’t think Smytty belongs with the Oilers than I’m asking you to explain why not. Let’s pretend for a minute that you’re Bob Nicholson and this is your call to make.
Recent articles from baggedmilk
