This is as per Jason Gregor from Team 1260.

The Oilers have offered Ryan Smyth a two-year contract extension. From what Gregor says, it's a deal that is comparable to the size of contract Todd Bertuzzi has with the Red Wings ($2mil per season range).

In some ways it makes sense. Smyth did put up reasonable numbers last season (19g 46pts) and played really well for the first half. Coach Renney overused Smyth in the early going, and he experienced a very difficult second half of the season. Should he re-sign with Edmonton, expect Smyth to start the year on the 3rd line, and to play 15 minutes or less per night.

There are elements of this rumor I don't like. Should the Oilers draft Nail Yakupov 1st overall, and should Ales Hemsky be kept instead of dealt during the off-season, Smyth's addition would leave little room for Magnus Paajarvi or Teemu Hartikainen on the Oilers roster. Then there are the rumors that were swirling from about March, that Smyth and the kids didn't get on so well in the Oilers dressing room. Rumors are rumors...seems like everyone was getting along fine at the beginning of the year when the Oilers were winning and when Smyth was putting up big points.

Smyth has not re-signed with the club, and from what I hear, he's looking for more money than $2mil per season. My guess is that he's asking for $3mil per, and he's willing to go down to $2.5mil per after negotiations. Still sounds like plenty for Smyth at this stage in his career, and considering where he'd fit into the roster for the next two seasons.

Other Notes for Wednesday:

- As I mentioned yesterday, Ralph Krueger's name is coming up as a possible replacement to Tom Renney. From what I understand, the players liked him better than Coach Renney.

- Kevin Lowe said in a recent interview that he has yet to speak to Brent Sutter about the vacant Oilers Head Coach job, and that numerous individuals will be interviewed.

- Another name coming up is Derek Laxdal. Laxdal's work with the Oil Kings speaks for itself this season. No one expected the Oil Kings to win the WHL Championship this year, and the team is described as being a "year ahead of schedule." Laxdal has done an amazing job.

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