Oh Calgary Flames, what are you guys doing?
You are resigning Derek Smith?! Out since December 30th with a high ankle sprain, Derek Smith hasn’t really had the time to develop with the Flames. He managed to squeeze in 32 games with the team before being injured, and in 32 games he’s managed 2 goals, 8 assists, not exactly the strong play making defenceman the Flames need. I’m not looking for more goals, but how about secondary assists?
The 27 year old barely has any NHL experience, prior to his 32 game stint in Calgary, Smith played a handful of games with the Ottawa Senators but spent most of his time in the AHL. He had some decent success down there, but I don’t know if I’d invest another year in him. If the Flames want to rebuild, why not sign either A) a veteran of the NHL or B) why not look for a young guy. I now the Flames have only signed him for a year, but that’s the problem. The Flames are stretched thin when it comes to cap space. That $775,000 isn’t much, but it is something that you could be putting towards a more useful contract as the trade deadline approaches.
Who knows when Smith will return from the IR and who knows what he will do for the team next season. Stepping it up would be nice, but I don’t have high hopes for him.
Go Flames Go