Comrie on his way to Edmonton

After missing the play-offs for the third straight year there is no doubt about the necessity for change in Edmonton anymore. Although the franchise from Alberta managed to climb out of the slump they hit after the Wayne Gretzky era, things have not been looking good in the recent past.

Thus, the Oilers’ front office announced that they were able to strengthen their offense with the acquisition of Mike Comrie. During his eight years in the league Comrie appeared in 525 regular season games scoring 154 goals and 184 assists for a total of 338 points. Before heading back to his hometown Edmonton, the 29 year-old leftwing played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators. Even though his career slowed down a bit after two sixty-point seasons in Phoenix and during his first stance with the Oilers, GM Steve Tambellini is confident that he will make an impact in 2009-10.

Given the fact that Edmonton was not able to sign coveted free agent Dany Heatley, the franchise seemed a little desperate to improve their roster to get back into the playoff race. Despite the Oilers’ front office efforts to bring the NHL All-Star to Alberta, Dany Heatley opted to exercise his no-trade clause to stay put.  Even though Mike Comrie can be regarded a reliable role player, he does not appear like the go-to-guy the team really needs. However, Comrie can be expected to see significant playing time since Edmonton is particularly thin on the left wing position. More specifically, the franchise has been lacking a true left-wing since they traded Ryan Smyth to the Ottawa Senators in 2007. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen to what extent he will be able to push the team over the hump. Ultimately, Edmonton still lacks a franchise centerpiece that could carry them back to the post-season.

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