It's funny how my mood changes as my favorite team changes. All my friends know I love the Oilers so when something happens with them, they always ask my opinion about it. Last week the OIlers traded Ryan Smyth, their heart and soul player. Everybody who follows hockey could never imagine him wearing any thing other than an Oilers jersey. He was traded anyway, a move that most Oiler fans thought they would see the last of when the new C.B.A. came into place. Oh well, I admit I'm a little bummed but I trust G.M. Kevin Lowe's ability to make the right decision even though I think it was ultimately Smyth's decision. I think people will be surprised how much money his next contract will be for, more than the 5.4 the Oilers offered. Kevin Lowe is thinking 2 or 3 steps ahead. Good luck to Smytty and check out Messier back in Oilers colours, beauty!