The Redemption of Ladislav Smid

[dash_pinched]

nvm

[Enoch Root]

I believe that Smid wasn't 100% last year, becase he is simply a better defenseman than what we saw.

Even though he has only seen spot duty so far this year, we are seeing him more as the player he really is.

Smid is a solid, if unspectacular, NHL defenseman. Flames fans have seen little of that so far however. Nice that we are starting to see it this year.

I remain hopeful that we can turn him into an asset at the deadline.

[dammage79]

A healthy Smid has always been a good Smid. Even n the Oilers. I think that was one of MacT's worst trades.

[Locke]

The thing is we never had a healthy Smid, he was injured when we got him, hes been injured for a while and was playing through it.

So now hes healthy, hes getting back into game shape and up to speed and hes a useful player.

The Oilers legitimately have the worst medical staff in the league.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Locke

The thing is we never had a healthy Smid, he was injured when we got him, hes been injured for a while and was playing through it.

So now hes healthy, hes getting back into game shape and up to speed and hes a useful player.

The Oilers legitimately have the worst medical staff in the league.

If the allegations in the Steve Montador lawsuit turn out to be true, the Blackhawks medical staff might take that title.

[GoJetsGo]

Great to see him healthy again.

The only reason there's talk of redemption is because of the contingent of people on here (and in the fan base in general) who seem to be confused with what a 5/6 defenseman is.

Way too many people hate on the likes of Smid and Engelland because they don't play like top four defenseman. Some people have unrealistic expectations of bottom pairing d-men as a rule.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by codynw

If the allegations in the Steve Montador lawsuit turn out to be true, the Blackhawks medical staff might take that title.

In truth, I find all teams just as guilty. The competitive nature of the sport doesn't allow payers to rest until 100%. Always cutting re-hab time down to it's bare minimum. I feel like Backlund has been victim to this, along with Smid. I feel like "Manageable" injuries are terrible risk to take. On a human level. But I also find that these players know full well the risk and are generally well compensated for this. Still don't like how pro sports in general don't let their players heal up to 100% before inserting them back into the

[Monahan For Mayor]

I'd be perfectly fine with Smid and Engy if they weren't grossly over paid.

Engy @ 1.5M
Smid @ 2M

If this was the case I dont think anyone bats an eye at these guys.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

Great to see him healthy again.

The only reason there's talk of redemption is because of the contingent of people on here (and in the fan base in general) who seem to be confused with what a 5/6 defenseman is.

Way too many people hate on the likes of Smid and Engelland because they don't play like top four defenseman. Some people have unrealistic expectations of bottom pairing d-men as a rule.

I think they know what $3m is though, and to be fair, neither of Engelland or Smid have earned anything close to their cap hits.

Smid at least can say that he used to play at that level, and is young enough that it's possible that he can regain that form. Initial results since his return are definitely encouraging...

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

I'd be perfectly fine with Smid and Engy if they weren't grossly over paid.

Engy @ 1.5M
Smid @ 2M

If this was the case I dont think anyone bats an eye at these guys.

Who cares what they're paid, as long as the cap's OK? Forget their salary and just judge them on their play as 5-6 guys.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Who cares what they're paid, as long as the cap's OK? Forget their salary and just judge them on their play as 5-6 guys.

The cap is okay right now. Those contracts are bad this summer when we are trying to resign our young stars, as well as chase whoever in FA.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

The cap is okay right now. Those contracts are bad this summer when we are trying to resign our young stars, as well as chase whoever in FA.

There's still room, especially since only Gaudreau and Monahan are up for new contracts (RFA ones at that).

And both are only one more year after this one (along with Wideman, Raymond and Bollig, none of whom will stick around). With Russell off the books by the end of the year, as well as bigger contracts in Jones and Hudler, neither of whom I expect to be re-signed, unless Jones extends for less money.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

The cap is okay right now. Those contracts are bad this summer when we are trying to resign our young stars, as well as chase whoever in FA.

Although I know it's agents to agent and contract negotiations should be in a vacuum, I've always wondered if discussing salary cap was a "leverage" that GM's could used to ask the player/agent to lop off some money on their contract "to fit under the cap" or something.

For instance, Gio leaving money on the table to benefit the organization going forward or whatever the wording was.

I wonder if Smid and Engelland's cap could help in negotiations.

Back on topic... Happy to see what I've seen from Smid so far.

[2ArmBands]

His play has definitely been a pleasant suprise. He has given the team some pretty quality minutes since his return. He makes a lot of simple plays with the puck and has brought a nice physical presence. One thing that I've noticed about him, at least in the short term thus far, is that he times his pinches very well and keeps a lot of plays alive.

I was definitely skeptical when he made his return but he has certainly impressed. It's nice to see and good for him considering what he has dealt with.

[Yrebmi]

Happy with Smid as bottom pairing.
Always worried with Engelland or Wideman on defense, but at least the latter has offensive threat. Quite frankly do not get the support Engelland gets here.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Yrebmi

Happy with Smid as bottom pairing.
Always worried with Engelland or Wideman on defense, but at least the latter has offensive threat. Quite frankly do not get the support Engelland gets here.

Because Engelland plays good defense for a bottom pair guy. And has proven that he can step into a top 4 role in a jam.

Has been one of the most consistent d-men this year.

What is not to support? You want him to play 12 mins a night, score 60 points, play solid d and be a low dollar contact all at once?

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Locke

The Oilers legitimately have the worst medical staff in the league.

You used one too many words in that sentence. The medical staff is right in line with the Oiler spec of staff.

Smid always seemed like a guy who believed too much in accountability and merit to truely fit in with the Oilers.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

I always forget he's really not that old. Not even 30. If he finds his game he could have a few good years left yet.

[AcGold]

Still confused as to why those idiots traded us Smid. A team desperately lacking in NHL dmen.... trades us one of their only NHL dmen. MacT was high that day I think. What was the kids name we traded him for, Horak?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Still confused as to why those idiots traded us Smid. A team desperately lacking in NHL dmen.... trades us one of their only NHL dmen. MacT was high that day I think. What was the kids name we traded him for, Horak?

Horak was one piece, but MacTavish treated it like Brossoit was the centrepiece for them (gotta collect all the former Oil Kings)...that and clearing cap space to sign Bryzgalov.

Brossoit is actually having a decent season so far in Bakersfield.