In the wake of that made-for-Hollywood love-in last night in Edmonton, one question kept popping into my somewhat miniscule mind.
If Ryan Smyth wanted nothing more than to be an Oiler, as he is having everyone believe, why didn't he just put his name to a contract when he had the chance last summer?
Yesterday I wrote how the coverage for Smyth's trip to Alberta seemed a tad exaggerated, but even I'll admit that was a touching little ceremony. Tears everywhere. Emotional Jumbotron tribute. Standing ovation.
The only thing missing was a candlelight vigil and some Barry White blaring from the speakers.
But as I watched a red-eyed Smyth struggle to keep his composure, a rather large part of me-and no, it wasn't my gut - couldn't help but think this entire homecoming , one that apparently meant so much to both the city and Smyth, could it have been avoided with a pen and sheet of paper.
If Ryan Smyth held the city so near and dear to his heart, why didn't he just fly out to Alberta last July 1st, saunter into Rexall Place and sign a contract? Free agency does have its perks.
Ryan Smyth had the choice of 30 destinations. That plane did not land in Edmonton.
Whether it was money, the chance to win a Stanley Cup, cold Alberta winters or barbers looking for a chunk of his mullet, Smyth ended up in Colorado. Edmonton was nothing more than an afterthought, even for a guy who preached he would consider himself an Oiler for life.
Edmonton loves Ryan Smyth. That much we know.
Maybe, just maybe, that feeling isn't as mutual as one would believe.