A quick look at the Ottawa Senators’ depth chart heading into the 2015/2016 shows a certain level of certainty at the centre ice position.
On the top line, you have Kyle Turris. He may not be a point-a-game centre at this point in his career but he certainly brings a little offensive touch to that top line.
In a sort of 1b role you have Mika Zibanejad. Coming off a 20 goal, 46 point season, you get the sense that Zibanejad has only begun to tap into his potential as a pro hockey player.
On the third line is where you’ll likely find Jean Gabriel Pageau. Pageau was one of the team’s most reliable players during that push to the playoffs and became a fan and Coach favourite.
And then you get to line four. Right now, that’s Zack Smith’s spot to lose.
At 27 years of age and entering his 7th season with the Senators, Smith has been a staple in the team’s bottom six forwards.
He was one of a handful of players that really didn’t get a chance to show what he can do under Dave Cameron. While Smith was a favorite of Paul MacLean’s, he was injured for a large portion of the miracle run to the playoffs and didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the success that other did during the last couple months of the season. He did return to the line up late in the season, appearing in ten games down the stretch but his role and impact on the game was pretty limited.
In his defence, Smith has often been in the unenviable position of playing with less than optimal wingers. Colin Greening and Chris Neil have often skated alongside Smith. That’s obviously a trio with pretty limited offensive potential.
It goes without saying but this is a crucial season for Smith. He has two years left on a deal that pays him $1.9 mil a season including $2 mil this season and $2.35 million in 2016/2017. If Smith isn’t able to solidify himself in that fourth line role, the Senators may have to consider someone who can and for quite a bit cheaper than what Smith is going to pull in next season. Like for example, off season addition Eric O’Dell.
Smith’s name has been in the rumour mill from time to time over the last couple seasons and while he’s paid pretty well for a fourth line centre, there’s always a chance another organization might be willing to take a chance on Smith if he became available.
Smith still seems like a favourite of this organization but at this point he has to be hearing foot steps a little bit.
What do you expect from Zack Smith this season? Does he still have a role on that fourth line or is his time with the organization running out?
