Ryan Smyth has been taking a lot of bad penalties of late.

Smyth has been called for six minors in the last four games, including two for slashing, two for hooking, a tripping and an interference call. These penalties may be caused by Smyth not being able to keep up with the play anymore, a possibility for the veteran who will turn 37 on Feb. 21. He has only a goal and two points in 12 games this season with a minus-three rating so it is very hard to recommend him at this time.

Ryan Smyth knows at this stage of his career, he has to take on a bit of a different role.

"I can check. I can kill penalties. Accepting those kind of roles when you are asked to is what makes a good team," Smyth said. He's been an offensive force for most of his career, but he's been on the decline for the last few seasons in that regard and it's hard to see him rebounding at the age of 36. Still, he's worth keeping an eye on if he ends up getting playing time with some of the Oilers' promising young forwards.

Ryan Smyth will suit up for Canada at the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland.

Canada's entry in the Spengler Cup is usually made up of Canadians playing in Europe, however, with the lockout in place there are plenty of Canadians who want the chance to put on the Canadian colors. Smyth is a veteran of many international games for Team Canada so the inclusion of 'Captain Canada' is no surprise. Also included on the Canadian side are Devan Dubnyk, Jonathan Bernier and Carlo Colaiacovo, all who have remained in North America during the lockout.