Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
Agreed. At the time there was a growing dynamic where teams were interested in overagers. I recall reading an analytical overview that showed that in rounds 2 and beyond the hit rate on overagers was higher than first year eligible players. I can't find it now though, but I wonder if the Flames were buying into that. Or was it the classic BIG=GOOD approach.
Either way he was a guy that had a jump in junior production largely because he was way more physically mature than others. That type of thing should always be a red flag.
|
It was actually a bit deeper than that. The Flames had Smith on the radar the season before, but didn't draft him. They were trying to get him into camp that year with an eye to signing him, but he either had a conflict or was injured (I don't remember now).
However, the Flames liked him because of his size, but also because he was able to play with skilled players and contribute in all situations - even played PK time. Definitely not a 'goon' by what many people felt he was - just didn't pan out. Apparently he had a lot of interest in that draft, not just the Flames. Too bad it just didn't work out.