Former Oiler Ryan Smyth is playing senior hockey in Alberta because he still loves the game. That his season was likely ended on a dirty hit by a minor-league goon is another blight on the game.

Veteran teammate Ryan Smyth has seen a lot of hockey in his day, but draws a blank when it comes to an opening performance by an 18-year-old rivalling what ‘The Nuge’ has accomplished.

Throughout the month, the NHL is announcing “Quarter Century” all-star-style teams for all 32 of their franchises. The Oilers ...