Smid has been a starter when healthy the last two seasons, but he hasn't played a full campaign since 2011-12, and now has a deeper blue-line corps to contend with in the fall. The Flames' top five defensemen are basically set in stone, so it will be up to Smid to prove he can take that sixth or seventh spot among the likes of Deryk Engelland and Tyler Wotherspoon. He certainly provides a veteran presence, but he may be on the outside looking in when the season starts.
Smid proved to be a reliable blueliner for Calgary last season, tallying 141 hits and 134 blocked shots. He doesn't score all that much, with only six points in 56 games in 2013-14, but has a top-six spot locked up for the upcoming season. Avoid him unless you roll in a specialty league where those hits and blocked shots can make a real difference.
Smid doesn't add much offensively as he has only 10 goals in seven seasons. But he is the type of defenseman every NHL team wants -- a solid, stay-at-home crease clearer who rarely makes a mistake in his own end.
Smid has always been known as a solid, stay-at-home defenseman, but actually had a breakthrough offensive season last year with five goals. That being said, he's not going to see any time on the top power play unit and will be the kind of defender who'll block shots rather than taking them and hit people instead of score. He should lead the Oil in both categories.
Smid is the definition of a stay at home defenseman with only one goal in the last four seasons (254 games). His value is in his own end, where he tries to keep opposing team from scoring. He can be tough in front of his own net but is not someone that will spend an inordinate amount of time in the Sin Bin.
Smid is a defenseman who is good in his own zone but is not going to help your fantasy team much. He doesn't score or put up big penalty minutes and has a problem staying healthy. Look elsewhere for defensive depth.
Smid will continue to be a top six defenseman for Edmonton. He had zero goals for the Oilers last season, so his offensive upside is limited to say the least.
The fact he scored zero goals in 65 games should tell you all you need to know about Smid. He is not the player the Oilers thought he would be.
Smid's rookie season was relatively quiet with 77 games and 10 points. He's a solid defender who should get better with more experience, but offensive output will depend on the role he's given.
Acquired from Anaheim in the Chris Pronger trade. The Oilers will give him a long look in training camp/preseason as they are in need of filling the voids left by Pronger and Jaroslav Spacek. Another one who's progress in training camp needs to be monitored.
Smid, who was selected 9th overall by the Ducks in 2004, is a young and physical defenseman that could find himself on the Ducks' roster within a year or two. Smid has the size and skill to be an impact NHL player in the future -- and that's why you should keep a close eye on him in deep keeper leagues.
