If there's no real appetite for Smith on the trade market, the Penguins could simply exercise a buyout on Smith in the final year of his deal. The buyout window opens 48 hours after the Stanley Cup has been awarded, which makes Wednesday an important day for NHL clubs who are looking to create some additional cap flexibility.
Smith is a quality secondary scoring option with a winning pedigree, so I don't think the Pens will have any trouble moving him, though it might require some salary retention.
Perhaps a return home to Ontario is in the cards for Smith, a Mimico, Ontario native. Of course, that would require Dubas retaining salary and agreeing to do business with his old club, unless he does indeed exercise a buyout, making Smith a UFA this summer.
