Carry On OKC’s Wayward Son?

Has the time come for the Oilers and flashy prospect Linus Omark to part ways for good? It sure seems that way, and it sure seems like Omark himself feels that way. Linus left the organization back in 2012 after a season where he fell out of favor with GM Steve Tambellini and coach Tom Renney.

The Situation:

Omark, during his hiatus, dominated the Swiss league, scoring 69 points in 48 games. Over the summer, he shocked everyone by agreeing to return to the Oilers and signed a one-year deal. The reason? Omark wanted another shot at the NHL. He was brought to training camp, but didn’t make the team after a disappointing camp.

Since then, Linus has torn the AHL apart, scoring 29 points in 29 games. He also saw a little NHL time, but was unable to really produce during his short stint in Edmonton earlier this season. Omark disappeared back to the farm and dominated quietly until this past week, when he requested a trade out of Edmonton.

The Fourth Period has reported that Omark has in fact informed the Oilers he wants to be traded in order to pursue his NHL dream, which he clearly does not see happening in Edmonton. The Oilers, well Craig MacTavish, are trying to accommodate Omark and move him.

All this comes on the heels of Elliotte Friedman reporting on Saturday night that Omark would be the next Oiler moved.

Whats Next?:

According to a report on thefourthperiod.com, Omark expects to be dealt within the next week. The return, they speculate, will be a draft pick, and I’d be willing to wager it will be a late round pick.

The effect will be felt big time in OKC, where Omark has pushed the river for them. He’s been by far their best scoring option, and is far and away their best weapon. Omark is one of the best point scorers in the AHL right now, and it will be a big blow to their attack to lose him when it happens.

That said, Omark has earned an NHL chance from his play at the AHL level. He’s emerged as one of the best players at that level, and there really isn’t anything left for him to prove there. Omark hasn’t been tremendous in the NHL, but he had a good stretch in 2010-11 where he put up 27 points in 51 games.

Omark has talent and has the drive to be an NHL player. The question is if he can find the right spot. He’s never really been put in a good spot in Edmonton outside of that 2010-11 season. It’s no shock he wants out, and quite frankly I can’t blame him.

The Oilers would be wise to dump him right now too. Get what you can back and move on. If it’s a draft pick, take it. Get that extra contract spot and move forward. It isn’t going to work out and there is no reason to have an unhappy farm hand like that around.

As for teams interested, I would look at the Coyotes and Hurricanes, two low money teams looking to add offense to get in the mix. I also wouldn’t count out the Boston Bruins, a team admittedly looking to add some speed and skill to the lineup.

I suspect the end of the Linus Omark era is near. It’s too bad, this is a talented player that was mishandled by the Oilers from day one. Yet another failure of the Steve Tambellini era, a guy with NHL talent tossed around and eventually ruined. Let’s not forget how it began however. That December night in 2010 was pure magic….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnsngTNeGTg