Hot Links: Wednesday, May 20

Morning, folks.

Akim Aliu published his journey in his own words yesterday. It’s both heartbreaking, and unfortunately, not surprising. Consider that, really, not one person of prominence within the game has had anything to say along the lines of “what Aliu went through was horrendous, and the game must do better.”

Not one.

Just like when nobody in the game had anything constructive to say about Brendan Leipsic’s comments.

Not surprising.

In Oilers-related news, Underdog Week continues here at Copper and Blue, with Ethan Bear getting some shine after a wonderful season saw him become a core piece of the team.

Ryan Smyth was a foundational player for a lot of Oilers fans. He was arguably the face of the franchise for about a decade, and those of us who were too young to remember the Gretzky trade will likely never forget where they were when Ryan Smyth was dealt. Should the Oilers retire his number?

The Dustin Penner trade continues to yield for the Oilers, as they acquired the pick that would later become Oscar Klefbom in the deal. Sportsnet took a look at some other notable trades in the franchise’s history.

Are there some good fits in this year’s RFA class? Are they attainable?

Matt Benning had another quietly good season on Edmonton’s third pair, but their right side is looking as crowded as it has in forever with Bear’s emergence and Evan Bouchard’s inevitable arrival. Even Adam Larsson looked to stabilize some last season. So, what’s next for Benning?

Both the municipal and provincial governments have thrown their support behind the Oilers’ bid to become an NHL hub city.

Steve Simmons suggests that Gary Bettman would like to get former — and disgraced — Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli another job in the league. For some reason.

And don’t forget: another great FanPost talking about NHL profit during the cap era, courtesy of bituman!

From Us

Hot Links: Tuesday, May 19 (Copper and Blue)

Underdog Week: Ethan Bear: Edmonton’s Resident Underdog (Copper and Blue)

Underdog Week: Jordan Eberle (Copper and Blue)

FanPost: NHL Profit During the Cap Era 2005-2019 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

Hockey Is Not for Everyone (Player’s Tribune)

Best Oilers Trades Countdown – No. 5: Flipping A Couple Of Busts For Roman Hamrlik (Oilersnation)

Oilers Should Retire Ryan Smyth’s Number (THW)

The Big Questions: The UFAs (Oilersnation)

Oilers Trade History: Ugly Dustin Penner Departure Still Paying Dividends (Sportsnet)

Unsigned Matt Benning Keeps On Outscoring, But Finds Himself In Tough On Edmonton Oilers’ Suddenly-Deep Right Defence (Journal)

Alberta Premier: Edmonton ‘Safest Place In The Continent’ To Host NHL (Score)

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson Throws Support Behind Oilers Bid To Host NHL Games (Oilersnation)

Peter Chiarelli Back In The Pacific Division? (Oilersnation)

For Money

Lowetide: Hard Target Search For Oilers Acquisition Options Among NHL Forwards (Athletic)