Ottawa Senators trade Zack Smith for Artem Anisimov
By James Reeve
The Ottawa Senators have today announced that the team has acquired Artem Anisimov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Zack Smith.
In an unexpected move, the Ottawa Senators have acquired 31-year-old centre Artem Anisimov from the Chicago Blackhawks with Zack Smith heading in the opposite direction.
Anisimov has been a consistent goalscorer throughout his career, with 163 in 703 regular season games – hitting the 20-goal mark four times.
The acquisition of Anisimov will help the Senators’ cap situation, with his $4.55 million contract seeing the team tip into the required salary range for the upcoming season.
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Smith departs the Canadian capital after spending his entire career with the organisation.
In 612 regular-season games with the Senators, Smith scored 94 goals and had 193 total points, playing a physical role for the team that saw him register 1206 hits across his 11 years with the team.
His tenure hit a few bumps towards the end, with the team attempting to move him, even placing him on waivers at one stage, to no avail.
The trade should work out for both parties involved, with Smith being given a fresh start with the Blackhawks and the Senators acquiring a forward that could help contribute goals during their crucial rebuilding phase.
Despite also playing extended periods of time with the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets, it has been with the Blackhawks that Anisimov has had the most success.
This deal isn’t a blockbuster by any stretch of the imagination, but it will help the Senators fill out their roster while complying with the rules of the salary cap.
Anisimov has had extensive experience playing on the power-play in recent seasons, earning 11 goals with the man advantage in the 2017/18 season – scoring 20 goals in total that season.
His ability in the faceoff circle, with a career average of 50.7% success, will help the Ottawa Senators during their rebuild.
While it will be a shame to see Smith pull on a different jersey next season, adding Anisimov is a smart move by general manager Pierre Dorion.
Next. Sens should think long term with Colin White. dark
What do you think Sens fans? Are you pleased with this trade? What other moves do you think the team will make before the season starts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!