Ryan Smyth was what most people considered the “heart and soul” of the Oilers. Every game he played, and still plays for that matter, is like his last. He’s always giving 100% and that’s what makes him a great player. Just the same way I sleep 100% and that’s what makes me a great sleeper.

So should you sell your Soul? I mean heart-and-soul? Since the trade the two teams have taken two very different paths

• The Islanders are 1-1-2
• The Oilers are 0-4

Although, the Islanders aren’t doing terrific they are staying in the playoff hunt. The Oilers on the other hand, have not won a game, are playing unmotivated and are basically out of the playoffs. Wow, based on these number you really shouldn’t trade your soul.

I find it a bit ironic that the same day the Oilers dealt the heart-and-soul. Just happens to be the same day they retired the greatest leader to ever play for the Oilers.

In other news my boss gave me Free tickets to the Calgary Flames hockey game tonight. That’s right. Free Flames tickets. The hottest ticket in town. Although, tonight they are playing the Minnesota Wild. So let’s just say it’s not going to be the most exciting game ever. I could be wrong though and I’ll post a Flames game recap tomorrow.

I on the other hand think they traded away the image of the Oilers. Smyth is widely considered to have one of the best hockey haircuts in the NHL. Just check out the photo evidence below.

He was traded for two good prospects and a first round pick. Good traded Kevin Lowe. But it does make a statement that the Oilers aren’t making the playoffs.

Let’s summarize where the significant players went and what for. By significant players I mean players that we’ve all heard of. If I did every player that got traded you wouldn’t read this post as I wouldn’t type it.
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Todd Bertuzzi - Big power forward with great hands.   But with a back more fragile then my 90 year-old gramma

Bill Guerin - Once considered a great forward.  Now considered a veteran forward.   May give a team the experience it needs

Bryan Berard -  Skilled defensemen who can move the puck.   Hasn’t been the same since taking a stick to the eye, but who really is the same after taking a stick to the eye?

The Florida Panthers - the team itself isn’t going to be traded.  But the players sure might.  Keep on eye out here.

Keith Tkachuk was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. Tkachuk was traded for a 1st, 2nd & 3rd round draft pick and a prospect. A whole lot to give up for a player that has yet to reach is peak from prior to the NHL lockout. Remember this is the guy that failed the physical at training camp two years ago. Lots to give up for a rental player.

• Lindy Ruff, the Sabres coach, was fined $10,000 for his involvement in the brawl last game.

• Nolan Baumgartner was picked up off of re-entry waivers by the Dallas Stars. Great pick up for Stars fans.

• Boston Bruins signed Marco Sturm to a four year deal. Now are they going to deal him away too? It’d make the most sense from a GM that seems to make the craziest trades.

Man, that’s gotta hurt being traded for a 5th round pick. It’s basically saying, “You’re just too expensive to even have around anymore.” His 10 goals for 2.5 Million I guess just didn’t cut it. From the Hurricanes point of view they get a player, basically for free, who can add depth for another run at the playoffs. But it’s tough to tell who won that trade.

Jim Gray of ESPN, taking a break from napping in Kobe’s lap, had reported that the long held-up Artest trade had finally gone down, with the Pacers getting Sacramento’s Peja Stojakovich in return. However Gray is now reporting that, as of 6:11 pm CST anyway, Artest doesn’t want to live in Central California and play for the Maloofs. The trade is — insert your preferred adverb here — temporarilly/permanently/advisedly off.

Pacers head of basketball operations Larry Bird did not say but surely is thinking, “I’m gonna put a bullet in that crazy head of Artest’s.”