The biggest factor in the Phoenix Coyotes attempts to re-sign Mike Smith is the franchise's ownership situation. "The biggest part about me signing back here will be: Is the ownership group coming in, is this going to be a place that free agents are going to want to come and play and are they going to spend the money to make this a better team on an every-year basis?" Smith said. "I think that's the most intriguing piece of the puzzle." In fact, negotiations with Coyotes GM Don Maloney have stalled until there's more clarity regarding the team's ownership situation. Smith suggested that negotiations at this time are "pointless." Smith will also be looking for a sizable payday after completing his two-year/$4 million contract. Since signing that deal, he's established himself as a starting netminder.

Mike Smith will be the most coveted goalie July 5 when the NHL's free-agent market opens for business. After only two seasons as a No. 1 with Phoenix, Smith has made it clear he considers himself among the elite of the position and expects a salary to match. If the Coyotes let him reach free agency, it's very likely another team will meet his monetary expectations. He's enjoyed recent playoff success, has a likeable personality and is the star attraction in a shallow goalie market. But if the Coyotes and Smith do part ways, it might not be because of money - which many have predicted would be the source of a potential divorce. A hometown discount, it seems, is a possibility, but Smith needs other assurances before agreeing to stick with the Coyotes. "The biggest part about me signing back here will be: Is the ownership group coming in, is this going to be a place that free agents are going to want to come and play and are they going to spend the money to make this a better team on an every-year basis?" Smith said. "I think that's the most intriguing piece of the puzzle.

Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney said he'll talk to Mike Smith about a new contract after speaking with coach Dave Tippett. Much like Smith, Tippett's contract is up this summer. Smith has said he expects a big payday and a long-term deal after having back-to-back strong seasons. It remains to be seen if Maloney is willing to meet Smith's asking price, especially considering that he is likely to have a budget similar to this year's in a season with a lower salary cap.

Mike Smith is understandably expecting a big payday as an unrestricted free agent this summer. "I've always been on one- or two-year deals," Smith said. "This is the time in my career I've solidified being a No. 1 goaltender, and I believe I should be compensated for it." Smith was amazing in 2011-12 and even though he took a step backwards this season, he still ended up with a respectable 2.58 GAA and .910 save percentage in 34 starts. The Coyotes have expressed an interest in re-signing him, but Smith suggested that the lack of ownership might get in the way. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly argued that GM Don Maloney doesn't have any "real limitations on the club's ability to re-sign Mike Smith" beyond the obvious fact that he has to work within a budget, let any other GM does. Either way, Smith might hit the open market this summer.

Mike Smith couldn't stop any Avs shooters in the shootout as the Coyotes dropped their home finale 5-4 in a shootout to Colorado Friday night. Smith is 15-12-5 this season with a .910 save percentage and 2.58 goals against average. Not terrible, but not what some were hoping following his breakout 2011-12 campaign.

If anyone on the Phoenix Coyotes has something to play for, it's goalie Mike Smith. The pending unrestricted free agent stopped 33 out of 34 shots for his 15th win of the season as Phoenix beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1. The 'Yotes are eliminated from the postseason, but Smith won't tank with a few more arguments to make for his cash worthiness.

Mike Smith allowed three goals on only 22 shots in the Coyotes 4-0 loss to the Red Wings Monday night. After an amazing 2011-12 campaign, Smith has been spotty in this 48-game shortened season. With the loss tonight, Smith now sports a 14-12-4 with sub-par peripherals. The lack of offensive talent around him doesnt help.

Goaltender Mike Smith proved on Saturday why he's such an important member of the Coyotes. Smith stymied the Blackhawks in a 3-2 shootout win and coach Dave Tippett offered a ton of praise for the effort, saying "He was huge. They with the (Jonathan) Toews lines and put some good pressure on us. . We were kind of laughing after the first period. We needed to get Smitty into the game early, and he got into the game early." If Phoenix is to have any chance to sneak back into the playoff picture Smith will have to be front and center.

Mike Smith yielded just two goals on 38 shots in Phoenix's 3-2 shootout victory Saturday night against the Blackhawks. Smith hadn't gotten into a game since April 12 as he dealt with a lower-body injury, but he didn't look rusty at all Saturday. The 31-year-old has a 2.60 goals-against average and .909 save percentage this season. Phoenix is still in 11th place, though it's three points back of Columbus with a game in hand.

Mike Smith is indeed getting the start Saturday night against the Blackhawks. Smith, who has a 2.60 goals-against average and .909 save percentage on the year, was considered a game-time decision due to a lower-body injury. He last played March 12.