The Clock is ticking

The Edmonton Oilers are expected to resume negotiations Monday with Ryan Smyth's agent Don Meehan on a new contract.

Smyth, 31, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and there is pressure on both sides to try and get a deal done before the Tuesday's trade deadline.

Reports have suggested that the Oilers could trade their 'heart and soul' player if a deal can't be reached, rather than lose him for nothing if he signs with another team in the summer.

Smyth, a cornerstone for the Oilers since he was drafted in 1994, leads the team in scoring this season with 31 goals and 53 points in 53 games.

(Source)