Big pick up by the Sens as the grab a true leader and warrior in ex-Flyer & Oiler Jason Smith. This is precisely the kind of presence they need on the blueline: tough, fearless (with 200+ blocked shots last year), and a lot of experience in both conferences.
I'd say Meszaros could probably start packing his bags now, and Luke Richardson is likely not coming back now, either.
I understand Smith's better defensively, but Redden scored 4x as many points as Smith, thats a big hit to the offencive production from your blueliners
Stats don't often tell the full tale. Ottawa loses a defenceman whose puck-moving skills are good, but whose energy and defensive skills were at times seriously lacking. They pick up a defenceman who won't score as many points, but who will ideally prevent as many goals as getting through and make the team tougher. I'd still take the responsible player over the error-prone one.
I wasn't ready to get rid of him, but he is winding down. Still, the guy is all grit and you should be glad to have him in Ottawa. I don't believe he actually has a nervous system as he will play right through pain and selflessly lay his body down in front of any shot, including when Chara prepares to tee off from the point. When he comes back to play here, I'll stand and applaud him. I think just about all of us will.
Id have to say getting Jason Smith is probably the best move the Senators have made since getting Heatley. The guy was one of the most important players when the Oilers went to finals and he was more than likely a leading reason for the Flyers turn around last season. Stats dont measure a players worth to his team mates or how his influence affects the confidence to a team as a whole. This guy will straighten out the Senators locker room and get everyone on the same page. Ill take him over Redden any day and Mezzaroes is primed for a break out season why get rid of him?