Smid has officially ended his professional hockey career.

EDGE Analysis

Smid hasn't played in the NHL since 2015-16, and he finishes his career with 72 points and 472 PIM in 583 contests between the Oilers and the Flames. He spent the last four seasons in the Czech Extraliga before retiring at the age of 36.

Smid (neck) has signed on to play with Liberec of the Czech Extraliga next season, thus ending his tenure with the Flames, Darren Haynes of the Canadian Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smid was set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and, given his injury history, it's entirely likely that Calgary would not have wanted to take a chance on him. The 31-year-old blueliner showed promise early in his career, but found it difficult to stay healthy later on and never quite lived up to the potential that many saw in him. A return to the NHL could be in the cards given some good, healthy seasons in his native Czech Republic, but we wouldn't count on it.

While Smid (neck) is still expected to miss the entire 2016-17 campaign, the defenseman said he is working out almost every day, adding, "Because I'm not taking any contact, I don't really feel any pain anymore."

EDGE Analysis

Smid's 2014-15 campaign came to an end when he was on the receiving end of a high hit from Simon Despres -- who was with the Penguins at the time -- that required he go under the knife, and then Smid encountered a setback last season upon getting hit by Jason Zucker in a game against the Wild -- the 30-year-old Smid hasn't played since leaving that Feb. 17 contest. Hopefully, the veteran can continue to progress and be out there for the 2017-18 campaign, though it's worth noting that he'll be an unrestricted free agent in July.

Smid (neck) has been designated for injured reserve according to the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Smid will not suit up at all this season as a result of this lingering neck ailment. The defenseman could be placed on long-term injured reserve later in the season in order to provide the Flames with some salary cap relief. Regardless of the technical designation, fantasy owners may want to bail on the 30-year-old given his uncertain future.

Smid will miss the 2016-17 season due to his neck injury.

EDGE Analysis

Smid wasn't productive last season, posting no points with a minus-7 rating. This neck problem has been bothering him for years, so hopefully he can take this season to make a full recovery and we'll see him return to form next fall.

Smid (neck) was included in a list of players not ready for on-ice activity Friday in training camp, Aaron Vickers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smid has been bothered by neck injuries the past two seasons and it appears the issue has lingered through the offseason as he's not ready for full-participation activities in training camp. He still has several weeks before Calgary's first regular season game against the Oilers on Oct. 12 but his status for preseason and Opening Night appears highly questionable.

Smid (neck) was limited to just 22 games in 2015-16 due to a recurring neck injury.

EDGE Analysis

Over two seasons with Calgary, he's played in a total of only 53 games, recording exactly one point, and the neck issues that have dogged him over that time certainly haven't helped. He's got one year left on the four-year extension he signed in 2013, though, and it doesn't seem terribly likely that the Flames will find a trade partner willing to take Smid on, so assuming the issue resolves over the offseason, he'll be back with them next year.

Smid has been placed on injured reserve, according to the NHL's official media site. Roger Millions of Sportsnet said the defenseman is dealing with an upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Smid was limited to 5:05 of ice time Wednesday in a game against the Wild, suggesting that he sustained the injury in that contest. He'll be eligible to return Feb. 25, and in the meantime, the Flames have called up Tyler Wotherspoon from AHL Stockton.

Smid will be in the lineup Tuesday night against the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

This will be Smid's first appearance since Jan. 5, following time in the minors on a conditioning assignment. He won't help you much offensively, but Smid is averaging 9.5 hits per 60 minutes of play and that's where his value lies.

Smid has been sent to AHL Stockton on a conditioning assignment, Mark Spector of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smid has only drawn into four games with the Flames this season, averaging 9:55 TOI over that span. Perhaps the conditioning assignment will prove effective and allow him to return to the parent club sooner than later, but we can't see him producing much in the way of offense given that he's only mustered 72 points in 565 career games between the Oilers and Flames.