Zack Smith Signs Four Year Extension With Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators announced yesterday that center Zack Smith has signed a 4 year extension with the team.  With one year remaining on his current deal, he is locked up for the next five seasons.  With a value of $7.55M, the extension should mean that the Senators get more value for their money than they have recently received up the middle.

Apr 21 2012; New York, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Zack Smith (15) takes the puck from New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

With Jason Spezza, Kyle Turris and now Smith locked up, the future up the middle is assured.  However, is it good enough to compete?  Obviously, despite his detractors, Spezza can play with any Centre in the league.  Turris showed flashes in his time in Ottawa, but needs to do more and be more consistent to be a quality #2, but the potential is definitely there and the price is right.  If Smith can play to the level he did before Christmas in Ottawa for a full season,  then the third line is in good hands. He was on a 20 goal pace up to that point, but ran out of gas during the second half and struggled down the stretch.

All in all, to get a quality player long term for under $2M, it has to be considered a good move for GM Bryan Murray.