Smith left yesterday’s game after being hit late in the second period and left the ice holding his left side. Head coach Gerard Gallant did not have an update on Smith post-game, so expect the Golden Knights to provide an update prior to Thursday’s game in Detroit.
Smith left last Frida’s game vs. the Red Wings with a concussion and is expected to miss some time, starting with tomorrow’s game vs. the Maple Leafs. With Smith out, Nick Bjugstad will move up in to the top-6.
Smith, 25, had a great debut season in Florida, registering 25 goals and 25 assists (50 points) in 82 games and an ultra-impressive eight points (4G / 4A) in six playoff games. Smith has only missed one game in his first three full NHL seasons and has already turned in two 20-plus goal seasons. He has a top-6 role for a good team and should have a shot at 30 goals in 2016-17.
Smith, 23, was set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. After a breakout season in 2013-14, Smith has regressed a little bit, but has still managed to register 12 games and 23 assists (35 points) in 63 games.
After a breakout season (20G / 31A) in 2013-14, Smith has just two goals and two assists through 11 games this season, despite playing slightly more and his shooting percentage (13.3%) remaining in-line with last season. The 23-year-old is a good scorer, but he will have to work his way back into the top-6 to be a consistent fantasy contributor.
Smith, 23, was originally considered a 'throw-in' in the Tyler Seguin trade, but showed that he is much more than that. He had 20 goals and 31 assists (51 points) in 82 games in his debut season with the Bruins. Smith will be an even more important part of the Bruins' top-6 this season after the departure of Jarome Iginla.
As soon as Smith was moved to a line with Patrice Bergeron and Loui Eriksson he recorded an assist on his first shift. He had just nine points in 37 games with the Stars last season, so he might not become a fantasy option. However, he is worth keeping an eye on him when he is playing with players as skilled as Eriksson and Bergeron.
Smith does not expect to have any fantasy significance.
The guess is that neither Alex Chiasson (shoulder) nor Lane MacDermid (upper body) will be ready to go Thursday. Or, if either is questionable, the Stars would like to have Smith at practice Wednesday and ready to go on Thursday vs. Vancouver.
Smith was sent down yesterday, but has been called up once again. He three goals and three assists in 28 games with the Stars this season.
Smith had one assist and a minus-2 in his last seven games.
Smith gets a look on the top line. He has no points in his first two games.
Smith gets back into the lineup tomorrow. He has no points in two career games.
Smith will make his NHL debut on the fourth line tonight.
Smith just finished his third season at Miami University (Ohio), scoring 30 goals and 48 points. He could possibly help out the NHL club.
