I don't mind this move. While Smith has potential, early this year he's shown himself to be a bit of a defensive liability. You see him jumping up in the rush a little too much and he's also been guilty of making some poor passes.
He's -5 with 7 minutes of TOI for someone who's expected to play a solid two way game. I don't think that'll cut it.
After a good first game, Smith just hasn't looked like an NHL player. Him being on the team is more a testament to the weakness of our prospect pool than it is to him. We don't have many good bottom-6 prospects.
After a good first game, Smith just hasn't looked like an NHL player. Him being on the team is more a testament to the weakness of our prospect pool than it is to him. We don't have many good bottom-6 prospects.
Agreed. I think he has good tools, but he is as dumb as he looks (you know, the about-to-sneeze look he has on his face).
Him being on the team was more of a testament of how well be played all year in Bingo last year and into the playoffs for us. Clearly he was at least an NHL 4th liner then, he was given an extended look this year despite being below average. That's what paying your dues in the minors and working your way up will do for you. As for bottom 6 FWDs, plenty of guys could come up and perform on the 4th line. Bass, OBrien, Condra, Daugavins... Greening, Cowick, perhaps in the future.
Yeah I had no issues with him earlier. He was doing all the right things. So far this year though, he really hasn't come close to playing with the same kind of consistency. Not sure if it's a confidence thing, but it seems like every game or so he makes a really bad read and doesn't exactly fit in with everyone else.
At this point, probably O'Brien or Cowick could use an extended look. It would be interesting to see Butler again and how much further he's progressed since the start of the year.
Him being on the team was more of a testament of how well be played all year in Bingo last year and into the playoffs for us. Clearly he was at least an NHL 4th liner then, he was given an extended look this year despite being below average. That's what paying your dues in the minors and working your way up will do for you. As for bottom 6 FWDs, plenty of guys could come up and perform on the 4th line. Bass, OBrien, Condra, Daugavins... Greening, Cowick, perhaps in the future.
ZS is definitely better than C-Bass, but I think he has the size and the skating to be more than an average 4th liner. I think what is holding him back is hockey acumen. Sort of Schubertesque, which is a scary thought.
Yeah I had no issues with him earlier. He was doing all the right things. So far this year though, he really hasn't come close to playing with the same kind of consistency. Not sure if it's a confidence thing, but it seems like every game or so he makes a really bad read and doesn't exactly fit in with everyone else.
At this point, probably O'Brien or Cowick could use an extended look. It would be interesting to see Butler again and how much further he's progressed since the start of the year.
ZS is definitely better than C-Bass, but I think he has the size and the skating to be more than an average 4th liner. I think what is holding him back is hockey acumen. Sort of Schubertesque, which is a scary thought.
i wouldnt mind seeing cody bass get a shot again in the bottom 6.
He's really disappeared off the radar but he's fast, mean can play a bit, and will do anything to win.
his injuries really hurt his chances but he was on the verge of making this team 2 years ago before he was hurt.
IMO he's a more useful player than Smith, if this is what smith has to offer.
no if it was cap based the would re asssign him after every game and not technically go to bingo....it was because it was an easy way to get more minutes in dont question me
no if it was cap based the would re asssign him after every game and not technically go to bingo....it was because it was an easy way to get more minutes in dont question me
that would be a real slimey way to cut a players paycheck. Don't think it would make BM look very appealing to college free agents etc.
Bass is hurt again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wondercarrot
i wouldnt mind seeing cody bass get a shot again in the bottom 6.
He's really disappeared off the radar but he's fast, mean can play a bit, and will do anything to win.
his injuries really hurt his chances but he was on the verge of making this team 2 years ago before he was hurt.
IMO he's a more useful player than Smith, if this is what smith has to offer.
Cody Bass is out with injury yet again, does Ottawa really need any more injury prone players????????????????
Lol poor smith...Plays at bingo and then plays Tonight against habs...3 straight games. I know he's young, but I'd call up Butler or someone else, cuz he's gonna be exausted.
Are you saying he's too good to be on the 4th line? lol Didn't the Red Wings start their more gift offensive players out slowly at the bottom lines to get some game experience? Heck, Shannon plays the 4th line......and contributes. I am sure Butler wouldn't mind being up playing anywhere.....and collecting a nice payday along the way.
I wouldn't mind seeing butler up here either, but there really is no sense in rushing him. The team is winning right now and butler will benefit from a successful season down in the AHL.
Smith and Butler to me are a bit of a wash. Bottom 6 I'll take Smith, Top 6 I'd prefer butler. Smith was by far the most impressive at the development camp this summer.
Right now I'd be tempted to deal Winnie and play both of these guys.
Butler is a skilled forward whereas Zmith is a bigger bodied grinder
Although I see it possible that Butler could get some T6 time with CCC's affinity for line juggling
By all merits he would not, if on the roster of course
So slotting Butler in where Zmith was, he would be facing the chip and grind lines of the opposing teams
He doesn't have the size on them so much of what makes Butler Butler will be shut down by the nature of the game and time on ice
Butler is much more valuable to the organization playing a big role in bingo
Zmith, although might rack up more stats in bingo can fill in on our 4th line without issue
it is just that simple
Moreover, they really need Foligno to start blooming and with Michalek out this is naturally the time to give him the chance
and the up/down/up is probably 9 parts financial, 1 part jab in the arm for the major penalty
