Jason Smith Calls it a Career

Jason Smith is throwing in the towel; he announced his retirement earlier today at a press conference. He joins Jeremy Roenick, Teppo Numminen, and Mike Sillinger who have all recently retired from the NHL.

“I have been fortunate to have played in the NHL for 16 years. I have played alongside many great teammates and for organizations that I was proud to have been a part of”.

Smith was drafted in the first round by the New Jersey Devils 18th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He played four seasons with the Devils before being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a blockbuster deal that included Steve Sullivan, Alyn McCauley, and himself in exchange for Dave Ellett, a fourth round draft choice, and Doug Gilmour.

Smith stayed with the Leafs for almost three seasons until being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Smith was able to find a home in Edmonton after mediocre play in New Jersey and Toronto, he became team captain from 2001 to 2007, it stands as the longest serving in Oilers history.

Jason landed in Philadelphia for the 2007-08 season, his reputation as a leader secured him the “C” in his lone season with the Flyers.

Prior to the 2008-09 season the Ottawa Senators were looking for a veteran leader to add to their blue line, they signed Smith to a two year contract. Smith’s age and style of play finally caught up with him as he scored only 1 goal during all of last season.

Smith retires at age 35; he played 1,008 games in the NHL, scoring 41 goals with 128 assists, and 1099 penalty minutes.

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