The Ducks had done some preliminary work to re-sign Penner before the Oilers' wildcat strike on the big leftwinger. Sources say, Penner would have taken a two-year deal for $2 million US a season if it had been on the table from Anaheim after he made $450,000 last year, but talks hadn't got that far between Ducks assistant GM David McNab and Penner's people.

— Edmonton Journal

The lesson? Don't be penny wise and pound-foolish. Brian Burke could have had Penner back in the fold for an entirely reasonable contract for the next two years, but he was betting heavily that his bluster would scare off other GMs from making a "wildcat strike" (an illegal labour movement? Well, if you say so Mr. Matheson).

Why else would Burke leave a young, 29-goal scorer twisting in the wind? And then to blast Kevin Lowe as being "gutless?"

We'll find out later today if Penner walks, likely right at the deadline. And the smart money says he does.