The Edmonton Oilers and Ryan Smyth may be elose to reuniting, but it wouldn’t involve a great return to the NHL locker room. Instead, according to the “Edmonton Journal,” the former forward is considering returning to the team in a different role.
“That’s the iron in the fire,” Smyth said. “We’ve had some talks about it.”
Smyth would consider rejoining the team in a role that allows him to work with developing some of the team’s struggling players and prospects. He believes that his presence, as well as his coaching and mentoring, could really help some of those athletes stuck in a tough spot.
“I’d like to zero in on three or four guys (minor-leaguers or drafted players) and really pay attention to them… get to know them well,” the 40-year-old said. “Speaking to other player development people and presidents on other NHL teams, it’s intriguing to me how they do their things.”
What is unique is how Smyth wants to handle the prospects. He believes that “instead of one guy going to see all their prospects” a couple times a year, he would want to “pick three or four guys” and “look after them.” This not only allows more focus but more time for the prospects to work on developing and get intensive feedback and advice.
Another aspect where Smyth would want to work with is recovery from injury, and how he can help players physically – and mentally – make a comeback.
“One thing I’ve thought of is working with injured players as they try to come back,” Smyth said. “They go through the medical stuff getting that done, then they go to the trainer to work on things, but then there’s the on-ice time where they aren’t around the team. That’s where I’d like to help. I’ve been injured before and doctors will tell you it’s 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical after that.”
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If Smyth joins the team, it’s just another great hire for the team. He’d be a member of the team that truly cares about his position and the team, and would be dedicated to helping the players get better, which in the end, is something this team needs.