Ryan Smyth
Ryan Smyth was selected 6th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, and he went on to play 12 seasons for the club he idolized as a child. Smyth's dedication to Edmonton both on and off the ice led to him being recognized as the face of the franchise during the latter part of his tenure with the team. When he was moved to Long Island in February of 2007 after a lengthly contract issue, it was a move that shocked the hockey world.
Smyth's best season as an Oiler came in 2000-2001, as he scored 70 points with 31 goals and 39 assists. The best contribution Smyth made to the Oilers through the years was undoubtedly through his hard work and endless effort. Many an Oiler fan has a memory of Ryan Smyth giving his all for the team. One such memory was the stunning visual of Smyth's teeth actually being shoveled off the ice in the 2005-2006 playoffs after a Chris Pronger clearing attempt hit Smyth.
It is that determination and grit that makes Smyth an emotional asset to any team he plays for. On Long Island or Edmonton, Ryan Smyth is the type of player that creates things for the team that cannot simply be measured in statistics. Some say that type of player is overrated and often overpaid, but that is not the case with Smyth. He gets in all of the high traffic areas and will score goals nobody else wants to put his team ahead.
Ryan Smyth recently signed a deal with the Colorado Avalanche, bringing his leadership and grit to a young Avalanche squad and working alongside veteran Joe Sakic.
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