Petr Sykora?

So apparently the latest from the Team in Edmonton is that Petr Sykora is indeed almost surely, it has to be true this time, I swear, I wouldn't lie to you... coming to Edmonton. Seriously. We're not kidding this time.

Jason Gregor apparently said we can expect it by the end of the week. Just like we could expect it by the end of 2 weekends ago.

The length of time this is taking has led to people speculating about whether or not Sykora actually wants to be an Oiler. If the deal was on the table, is he just stalling hoping something better comes along?

It's possible. Sykora has said in newspaper articles he'd prefer to play in the east. It's not a shot at Edmonton, it's the reality of travel. The travel situation likely cost us Spacek, who knows what impact it had on Samsonov (who we apparently wern't even in the running for... uh huh...) and who knows how many free agents it's detered. We know Chara wanted to stay in the east as well.

Is there anything the NHL can do about this? Not really. Combine all that with Edmonton's climate, and Kevin Lowe has some extra work to do when recruiting players. The other thing is we're going to have a do a great job drafting and developping talent. Ales Hemsky is a great example of something the Oilers have done right. He has become a man on the Oilers, and now he's going to stay here another 6 years.

Anyway, back to Sykora. I think there are other possibilities that have delayed the deal. Were the Oilers waiting to hear about Mikhnov before deciding if they wanted to bring in Sykora? Are they continuing to wait on him? Apparently Lowe and Howson were on vacation one week, and now Sykora's agent Rich Winter is overseas. Look, there's obviously no rush here. How many teams are there who even have the cap room to look at Sykora? His options are limited.

As for his value... Sykora is 29 years old and has scored 20 goals 7 NHL seasons in a row.

Need I repeat myself?

The guy obviously didn't have a perfect fit in either Anaheim or New York last year. However, with the loss of Pronger the Oilers really can use some help on the Power Play. According to what I've read, a role on the top PP unit is key to where Sykora will decide to play.

How can you ignore a guy who scored 20 goals in all of his last 7 NHL seasons? Especially while playing a lot of them for New Jersey. Line him up next to the young talent we have, and I'll almost guarantee you he'll top 30 goals.

Far as I'm concerned he'd be a bargain.

We have too many rookies on the opening night roster as it stands. Sykora is a great veteran piece, with Stanley Cup rings on his fingers. As far as I'm concerned, it's a no brainer.

DO IT!