Last season for the Ottawa Senators was quite a forgettable one as the team finished with a 37-41-4 record. Over the course of the season, 31 different skaters played in at least one game for the Senators.
One of those 31 skaters who played in at least one game was Jiri Smejkal. Most Sens fans may not remember who Smejkal was. Smejkal made his NHL debut in December 2023 at 27 years old.
Smejkal played in nine games in December 2023 and January 2024 combined. Then, Smejkal wouldn't play again until March 2024. After last season, Smejkal left the NHL to join a league back home in Czechia. Today, Smejkal is making a solid mark with his new team.
Smejkal is now steady player in Czech Republic
Today, Smejkal is a member of HC Dynamo Pardubice in Pardubice, Czechia. Now at 28 years old, Smejkal is a steady player for Pardubice and has improved his game. Smejkal has the second most points on the team with 25 points. Smejkal's +17 rating is the second highest on the team. In 38 games, Smejkal appears to be more comfortable in playing in Czechia than the NHL.
Smejkal is a native of Ceske Budejovice, Czechia. Playing for a team in Czechia and playing well for a Czechia native can be seen as a huge honor, but the Senators can wonder how his NHL development wasn't the best.
Smejkal's tenure with the Senators was one many people don't remember. Last season, Smejkal only appeared in 20 games. In the 20 games, Smejkal recorded just two points. But, Smejkal left a final good impression in the NHL.
In his final NHL game on April 16, 2023, Smejkal scored the opening goal of the game in a game against the Boston Bruins. Ironically, Smejkal's goal was scored against current Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark. The Senators went on to win the game by a final of 3-1.
Smejkal spent more time in Belleville in the AHL last season where he recorded 22 points in 47 games. Smejkal played in all seven of Belleville's playoff games from 2024, but recorded no points.
With not much playing time in the NHL after last season, Smejkal left the NHL and signed with Pardubice on a five-year deal. Now, Smejkal appears to be settled in back home in Czechia.