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Ladislav Smid was the player that arguably took the biggest step forward last season with the Edmonton Oilers. Smid established career highs in goals, points, hits and blocked shots in the 2011-2012 season. Smid emerged as a shutdown defender playing against tough opposition. He did all of that while finishing on the plus side of the ledger (+4).
For Smid, its not about being the man, its more about the staying the man. The Oilers cannot afford a regression from Smid due to the lack of depth on the Oilers’ backend. Smid has shown that he can at least tread water while playing tough opposition while many other Oilers defensemen have drowned over the past half dozen seasons. Smid needs to continue to be what he is, all while trying to slowly improve on his offensive numbers. Smid figures to see big, tough minutes again this season. The biggest thing for him is to be ready for the challenges coming his way this season. The Oilers defense is held together by paper clips and binder twine, so if any the pieces on the backend falter or sustain major injury, its likely the whole house will cave in, once again.
If I Could Grant One Wish – Shot: Smid’s shot for the longest time was weak, for a lack of a better term. It didn’t have a lot of power on it and it lacked all kinds of accuracy. Smid steadily improved it to the point where it is average for now. The next step in the evolution is for Smid to use his shot more often and show some faith in it. His career high for shots on goal for a season is 53 and that’s nowhere near enough for a defenseman that plays the minutes Smid contributes to the Oilers. Smid will need to slowly integrate himself into the offense while not sacrificing anything on the defensive side.
Prediction for 2013 – Will lead team in blocked shots: Not much of a prediction here as he led the Oilers last season in blocked shots by a wide margin and I figure more of the same will be happening as long as he stays healthy. Smid’s biggest contribution will come on the penalty kill where defensemen go to add to their shot blocking totals. While I would like to see him improve on his point totals, the Oilers really need him to help stabilize the defensive side of the ice.
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