The Edmonton Oilers traded star left winger, Ryan Smyth, to the New York Islanders in February. Every sports trade has its multifaceted reasons. This one was about money – yet about so much more.

Former Oiler Ryan Smyth is playing senior hockey in Alberta because he still loves the game. That his season was likely ended on a dirty hit by a minor-league goon is another blight on the game.

In his 19th NHL season, Ryan Smyth has settled into a fourth-line role with the Edmonton Oilers. But the future, both short- and long-term is very much in question for the grizzled veteran of more ...