I don't think too many guys of his pedigree and his age have gone this route (at least I can't think of any off the top of my head that are not Russian, anyway, which I consider a different animal). That being said, if the price on him was minimal to obtain him I think someone would have taken a chance. He's only three years removed from his draft and PLENTY of guys are given opportunity for reclamation/change of scenery, that's why I am thinking it is more an issue of him wanting too much money that triggers a higher RFA compensation pick or the Oilers wanting too much in trade (or possibly his refusal to sign an offer sheet because he thought EDM would match?).