The Oilers signed forward Thomas Vanek to a seven-year, $50 million offer sheet, a signing that carried a price tag of four first round picks. Sabres general manager Darcy Regier called a media conference on Friday afternoon to announce that the team would match the offer
That's huge news. I think the Oilers are going to target one of Emery/Parise next. Thomas Vanek is worth a large contract, as he's an elite player.
It makes you wonder why the Oilers didn't accept Smyth's offer before the deadline and decided not to re-sign him. After signing Vanek to a 7 year offer sheet, they'd be required to give up 4 first round picks as well.