Senators sign Jason Smith

Jason Smith will bring his brand of physical defence to the Ottawa Senators. (John Ulan/Canadian Press)

Veteran defenceman Jason Smith will suit up for his third Canadian NHL club after finalizing a two-year contract with the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

Smith will earn $2.6 million US in each season. He made just under $2 million in his one season with Philadelphia.

"We've been talking to him for a while," said Ottawa GM Bryan Murray. "I have to say that a couple of days ago, it didn't look like we were in the hunt there. It looked like he had a couple of deals that were bigger and maybe better than ours.

"All credit to Jason, however, that he saw Ottawa as a real good hockey team and place where he wanted to play. We kept working at it this morning and it took a little bit of effort to get it done and I’m happy that we did."

Smith, 34, served as captain of the Flyers, as he did the previous five seasons with the Edmonton Oilers.

Known for his defensive skills and toughness, Smith has scored 40 goals and racked up 128 assists in 945 games, with 1,052 penalty minutes. He also played in 68 playoff games in his career.

"This is the ultimate character guy that was out on the free-agent market," said Murray. "He's been a captain, as we know, but more importantly, he's just a guy that competes every night. He blocks shots, he hits people, he plays the game in a hard way and he's very difficult to play against."

Smith was part of the foundation of Edmonton's defence for more than seven seasons after being traded in early 1998 by Toronto for two draft picks that never panned out for the Maple Leafs.

"Playing in a Canadian city is special," Smith said. "There’s a lot of emotion and a lot of intensity in the building every night and it’s a lot of fun playing in that situation."

The Calgary native began his career with New Jersey, being drafted 18th overall in the 1992 NHL entry draft.

 

Back

Related Stories

Quebec Jewish hockey player agrees to play on Sabbath
A talented Quebec junior hockey player from Montreal has agreed not to observe some of the strict rules of his Jewish religion after officials threatened to cut him from the team if he refused to travel or play on Saturdays.

Kings crown Ducks in London opener
The Los Angeles Kings scored three power-play goals en route to a 4-1 defeat of the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks in the NHL season opener Saturday in London, England.

Jays welcome struggling Orioles to town
The Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles will be looking to show they're back on track when they open a three-game series Friday at the Rogers Centre (7:07 p.m. ET).