Joensuu Heads To Switzerland

The #Oilers have transferred forward Jesse Joensuu (@jouneri6) to SC Bern of the Swiss Elite League.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 12, 2014

And just like that, the idea of the Oilers icing a useful fourth line is officially dead. The idea had been clinging to life support for a few weeks now but I was still holding out hope. In the end, I guess it just wasn't meant to be, and while it was fun while it lasted, which was when Luke Gazdic was hurt, deep down, I think we all knew that it wouldn't last forever. Because as Oilers fans we just can't have nice things.

The transfer to SC Bern likely means that Jesse Joensuu had zero interest in playing in Oklahoma City with the Barons, even though he wouldn't have had to take a pay cut to do so. And I don't blame him for that. When he was in the Oilers' lineup the fourth line handled tough minutes fairly well. Certainly better than they have since Gazdic has returned. Being asked to ride a bus in the minors while the big club ices an inferior lineup wouldn't be an easy pill for many to swallow, and Joensuu wouldn't even try.

I wish you well, sir, you're in a much better place now.