Well, it was only a matter of time.
This evening, the Ottawa Senators made it official. Zack Smith has signed a four year extension worth an average of $3.25 million per and a total of $13 million. He’ll make $3.25 million in each season.
Smith was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
In the last couple weeks it has become clear that both the Senators organization and Smith were interested in getting something done. Then after Dorion and Smith commented on the negotiations in the last week it became obvious that there was a deal to be made between the two sides.
In the end, it’s a very reasonable contract for the team and a well-earned extension for Smith.
Smith broke out in a big way in 2015-2016, scoring a career-high 25 goals and 36 points. Considered more of a 4th line guy early in his career, Smith his best described as a bit of a late bloomer. He’s fought his way up the line up and showed that he’s more than capable of taking a regular shift in the top six.
Many were quick to dismiss his 25 goal outburst but playing on a line with Mark Stone and Derick Brassard, Smith has continued to show a goal-scoring touch, again on pace for 20 goals.
Players like Zack Smith are so important in today’s NHL. In an ideal world he plays on your third line but he has no problem moving up in the line up when the situation calls for it. He’s defensively responsible, can kill penalties, plays with an edge and can provide offence.
Oh and it just so happens he loves being an Ottawa Senator.
Credit to Pierre Dorion for getting this move down now. With the trade deadline looming, it’s nice for both the team and Smith to avoid any potential distractions.
