Ben Smith RW FA Mon 10/2/17 11:15 AM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith was designated for waivers by the Leafs on Monday.
EDGE Analysis
Smith logged 36 games for Toronto last year in which he tallied two goals and a pair of assists. The winger was fighting for a spot on the 23-man roster and apparently lost out. Assuming he clears waivers, the 29-year-old will join AHL Toronto, but given his experience, should be on the short list of potential call-ups during the season.
Ben Smith RW FA Mon 9/18/17 7:33 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith, who is on the bubble with the Leafs this season, is working hard to earn a roster spot for 2017-18.
EDGE Analysis
He, Josh Leivo and Eric Fehr, two other players on the bubble, were effective a checking line in scrimmages over the weekend, but he will need to fight to even get ice time in preseason contests. "You have to fight for that chance and earn it," Smith told the Toronto Sun. "I think the coaching staff knows what I can bring. I have shown I can do it, I just have to do it a bit better."
Ben Smith RW FA Tue 5/2/17 1:11 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith signed a one-year, $650,000 contract on Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
A two-time Stanley Cup champ with the Blackhawks, Smith was largely unproductive in 2016-17, tallying four points while suiting up for 40 games. It's doubtful that the Leafs want to bring Smith back into the fold, but instead offered him a contract for the purpose of making him eligible for exposure in the upcoming expansion draft.
Ben Smith RW FA Sun 4/2/17 12:57 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith has only suited up for the Leafs once in the last month.
EDGE Analysis
His last game action was March 25. Prior to that, Smith last played February 25. Smith's best work was done in 2013-14 when he was in Chicago. Since then, he's hopped through San Jose, Toronto, Colorado and back to the Big Smoke. Smith can't settle into a regular role, so he can't help you from a fantasy perspective.
Ben Smith RW FA Thu 3/9/17 5:53 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith (finger) is listed as healthy scratch for Thursday's game against the Flyers, NHL.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith has missed the past four games and six of the last seven. He's entrenched in a reserve role and that makes him an unappealing option in all fantasy formats.
Ben Smith RW FA Tue 3/7/17 7:17 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith (finger) is not in the lineup for Tuesday night's clash with the Red Wings, Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV reports.
EDGE Analysis
The team has yet to establish any sort of timetable for Smith's return, but it's entirely possible that the 28-year-old keeps riding the pine simply because he can't crack the lineup as it currently stands. Either way, his four points on the season keep him off the fantasy radar in most formats.
Ben Smith RW FA Mon 3/6/17 1:37 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith was not available to practice with the team Monday as he was receiving treatment on the finger he broke in December, David Alter of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith missed 18 games with this ailment previously and it is unclear whether the treatment he is receiving is routine or part of the reason he has played in just one of the Leafs' previous six outings. Considering he is not on IR and had been practicing, prior to Monday, the center's lack of play time could have more to do with the arrival of Brian Boyle.
Ben Smith RW FA Sat 2/25/17 11:58 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith has just one point since his Feb. 2 return from injury.
EDGE Analysis
That's a span of 11 games. Smith plays a sturdy game on the Leafs bottom six, but that does not make him worthy of fantasy consideration.
Ben Smith RW FA Thu 2/2/17 4:16 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith (hand) was activated from the injured reserve list Thursday, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reports.
EDGE Analysis
A hand injury has sidelined Smith since mid-December, but he hasn't contributed much offensively even when healthy. The veteran's best season occurred in 2013-14 with the Blackhawks, when he posted 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) over 75 games. He has tallied just three points through 24 contests with the Maple Leafs this season and has averaged just 11:50 of ice time, keeping his fantasy upside relatively low even when he draws into the lineup.
Ben Smith RW FA Mon 1/16/17 2:16 PM
Ben Smith
RW FA
Smith (hand) is scheduled to have the pins removed from his hand Wednesday, Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV reports.
EDGE Analysis
While it is certainly a step in the right direction, this news effectively rules Smith out for the Leafs next two contests. Depending on healing time, the winger could potentially return to the lineup Saturday against Ottawa, although Jan. 23 versus Calgary is more likely. Prior to getting hurt in mid-December, the 28-year-old had tallied two goals and one assist in 24 appearances. Not exactly blockbuster numbers, fantasy owners may want to pursue other waiver wire pickups once Smith is activated off injured reserve.