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Player's Profile

Picture Courtesy of LSSU Lakers

  • Name: Derek A. Smith
  • Position: D
  • Shoots: Left
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 198 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1984-10-13
  • Eligible for Draft: NaN
  • Drafted:
  • Hometown: Belleville, Ontario
  • Acquired: Free agent, 2007
  • Playing In: Pro

Derek A. Smith

Prospect Grade: 6.0 C  (About Prospect Grades)

Profile Contributed By: HF Staff

History

2002-03: Smith’s early years were spent with the Wellington Dukes in the OPJRA.  A rearguard with terrific playmaking skills, Smith finished his first season with 16 points in 21 games.  

2003-04: In his final year with Wellington in the OPJRA, Smith continued to show his offensive prowess.  He finished the season with 26 assists and a total of 34 points in 44 games.

2004-05: Upon completion of his OPJRA career, Smith went to Lake Superior State University.  In his freshman year, he was a depth defenseman, totaling just 5 points in 38 games.

2005-06: Smith began to show some more offense in his sophomore year.  With some added ice time and responsibility, he managed 10 points in 36 games.

2006-07: Smith was one of Lake Superior State’s most consistent players and he helped to anchor a solid but young Lakers defensive corps. The Belleville, Ontario native played in all 43 games, helping LSSU reach the CCHA semi-finals. Smith led all Lakers defensemen in scoring with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) also tying him for first on the team and second in the CCHA. His point total also doubled his offensive numbers in the previous two seasons combined. Of Smith’s ten goals, seven came on special teams (five power play goals, two shorthanded goals). He also led LSSU in shots with 131. He was named a finalist for the CCHA’s Best Offensive Defenseman Award and selected to the All-CCHA Second Team. Smith was also named LSSU’s Most Valuable Defenseman. 

Derek A. Smith signed a two-year contract with the Ottawa Senators.  Smith was an Unrestricted Free Agent and was never drafted.

2008-09: Smith managed seven goals and 24 points in 75 points while maintaining a +1 rating.

Talent Analysis

Smith is a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman. He is an excellent skater who seems to always keep his feet moving and possesses some good speed. One noticeable difference about Smith this season compared to last season was his increase in size and strength. The added weight and strength to his frame proved to make him more effective in shutting down as well as maneuvering around opposing forwards.  It also vastly improved his play along the boards. Smith transitions the puck remarkably well and though he is known as an offensive-minded blueliner, his defensive zone play is also quite good. He also has outstanding on-ice vision and awareness. One area where Smith really excels is his uncanny ability to pick his spots when he shoots and his great patience with the puck. He has a pretty accurate shot and getting pucks to the net is not a problem for him. He also possesses a very good stick and does a nice job of taking away passing and shooting lanes. Smith’s greatest weakness may be that he is not all that physical. While he is willing to play the body, he could stand to do so more often.

Future

Smith has an NHL-size frame, but could still add more muscle and fill out.  He could be an adequate injury fill-in.

Stats

Stats Coming Soon...

Profile Last Updated: June, 1st 2009

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