Leverage

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lev·er·age /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ, ˈlivər-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[lev-er-ij, lee-ver-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, verb, -aged, -ag·ing. –noun

1.	the action of a lever.

2.	the mechanical advantage or power gained by using a lever.

3.	power or ability to act or to influence people, events, decisions, etc.; sway: Being the only industry in town gave the company considerable leverage in its union negotiations.

4.	the use of a small initial investment, credit, or borrowed funds to gain a very high return in relation to one's investment, to control a much larger investment, or to reduce one's own liability for any loss.

–verb (used with object)

5.	to exert power or influence on.

6.	to provide with leverage.

7.	to invest or arrange (invested funds) using leverage.

An example with leverage used in a sentence: Michael Nylander used the Edmonton Oilers as leverage for a new contract.

Leverage.

Kevin Lowe commented on how Nylander's wife freaked out, as if Edmonton is Siberia. I just have a hard time believing since the Rangers were eliminated, Michael and his wife never sat down to discuss possible destinations. I mean, they're a couple, aren't they. Don't they talk about these things?

For the record, Nylander did the Oilers a huge favor. There have been numerous players that have mentioned they love Edmonton - one doesn't, doesn't indicate the end of the city or the franchise.

The franchise will in time, when they change things/positions around, will be able to compete in the UFA market. Until then, no need for the organization to further increase the poor perception by playing the victim mentality.