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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 2534056" data-attributes="member: 2012">Copied from www.sportsnet.caThe Price of OilersThe summer signings of Chris Pronger and Michael Peca means the Oilers might have to keep Ryan Smyth.Sportsnet.ca -- It is hard to imagine Ryan Smyth skating in a jersey other than the current Oiler blue. But the same was said about Wayne Gretzky, Bill Guerin, Doug Weight, etc, etc.Smyth, who will become an unrestricted free-agent next summer should he decide to sign the Oilers current $2.7-million US qualifying offer, would rather see a long-term deal tabled to remain in Edmonton. The 10-year veteran of the league is also not interested in signing a one-year deal and then negotiating an extension during the season. Teams can't negotiate until Jan. 1 after players sign qualifying offers."You're seeing a lot of different addresses with players this summer," Smyth told the Edmonton Journal, "but I'm pushing for a long-term contract here. They've talked about signing a one-year contract and negotiating on a longer deal during the season, but I'd rather not do that. It's a distraction. It's a team game when the season starts."Smyth, the Oilers' sixth overall pick in the 1994 entry draft, knows he could attract Bobby Holik or Paul Kariya numbers should he decide to test the market -- Holik pocketed $4.25 million US to play with the Atlanta Thrashers and Paul Kariya left the Colorado Avalanche for the Nashville Predators and $4.5 million.But testing the free-agent market in the new economic climate could also end up being a roll of the dice.The Oilers have made strides to improve the club this summer, which Smyth recognizes and sees as incentive to remain and try to win a championship. Under the new cap rules, the Oilers would likely offer Smyth a three-year deal in the range of $3 million per season. However, the clock is ticking for both parties as Smyth is one of the few high-profile Group 2 free agents who are unsigned with training camps set to open in a few weeks."Last time I didn't have a contract going into camp, I took the physical, then (Oilers GM) Kevin Lowe said he wasn't going to let me skate without a contract," said Smyth, "I'm hopeful something will get done before then."</blockquote>

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