Jason Smith Retires

 The Ottawa Senators off- season took another turn for the worse this past week when one of the most underrated defenceman in hard- hitting Jason Smith decided to end what was a standout 16 year career. Ever since drastically underachieving as a team last season and missing the playoffs there hasn’t been a lot of reasons for Ottawa fans to be optimistic about the upcoming season. This summer has seen lots of controversy in the nations capital as they deal with matters such as leading scorer Dany Heatley wanting out of Ottawa and most recently free agent pick up Alex Kovalev saying that he eventually wants to once again play for the Montreal Canadiens before his career is finished. Now comes the shocking news about Smith who was originally a New Jersey Devils first round pick back in 1992 retiring. This Alberta native played only one year in Ottawa where even though he scored only one goal gained popularity for delivering thunderous hits in his own end. This 35 year-old who dressed for a total of 1,008 NHL games will never be known for his scoring prowess as he only produced 41 goals and 128 assists and accumulated a whopping 1,099 penalty minutes. Smith who also played for the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers had extraordinary leadership skills that will be missed in Ottawa. In his career Smith served as the team captain in Edmonton for five seasons and the Flyers in his one and only season in 2008. Smith who joins a long list of players including the likes of Joe Sakic, Markus Naslund and Mike Sillinger in calling it a career this summer said that he has no regrets about his career and feels that now is the right time to step away from the game. “I have been fortunate to have played in the NHL for 16 years,” Smith who had a career +26 said. “I have played alongside many great teammates and for organizations that I was proud to have been a part of. I would like to thank all of my teammates, owners, coaches, managers and staff that I have had the privilege of working with through the years and would like to recognize the fans for their tremendous support.” Heading into training camp the Senators who only a few years ago were among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup have not only issues up front with Heatley but also on the blue line where the absence of Smith means there are big shoes that need to be filled.