Veteran forward surprisingly clears waivers, could be a shrewd addition for Kyle Dubas and the Leafs
Contending teams looking for a cheap but expendable top-9 forward have a new player in their sights in Boston's Craig Smith. The 12-year-veteran was just recently placed on waivers by the Boston Bruins and and cleared today. As things unfold, it just doesn't seem like there's room for him on the team anymore.
Smith has been a Bruin since 2020-21 and in 145 games he has scored 30 goals and 72 points. Previously he spent his first 9 years in Nashville, scoring 162 times and adding 168 assists in 661 games.
Now, with a new head coach, it seems like the writing is on the wall for Smith in Boston. Elliotte Friedman mentioned on his podcast earlier that even though Smith is still a good player, he's not a good mix for Jim Montgomery. His skill set and attributes doesn't blend well on a Montgomery-led team and with how the season has unfolded, the Bruins' coaching staff seems to know what they're doing and what they're looking for.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, a team reportedly looking for a middle-6 forward, should be calling and inquiring about his services now that he has cleared waivers. The Bruins have tried trading him before but found themselves in a tough position cap wise. Fortunately the 33-year-old is an upcoming UFA and only counts towards the cap at $3.1 million this year.
He's a good, dependable, responsible, two-way forward that has the ability to score goals as well. He played very well with Taylor Hall and David Krejci a few years ago and if the Leafs are interested, they might've have found a second-line scoring forward to play alongside John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Would a trade based around Wayne Simmonds for Craig Smith work?
His analytics are great, he's a great teammate, and most importantly he's very cheap to acquire. And while, yes, the Leafs could have had Smith for free on waivers, it would have put them back at the maximum 50 contract limit. If they are interested, a veteran for veteran swap could work.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 19 | 103 ANSWERS Veteran forward surprisingly clears waivers, could be a shrewd addition for Kyle Dubas and the Leafs Should the Leafs pursue a trade for Craig Smith now that he has cleared waivers? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 38.8 % |
| No | 63 | 61.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
