With Ryan Dzingel expected to stick on the second line, Smith will remain in the checking role, Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is where coach Guy Boucher wanted Smith all along, and the winger has gone on record saying he was more comfortable in that role. The 28-year-old suffered a minor foot injury during training camp and only appeared in one preseason game as a result, but he's good to go for Opening Night. It's likely the winger will line up next to Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Tom Pyatt on October 12 against Toronto.

Smith (foot) will play in Friday's preseason matchup with Buffalo, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith missed just one game last season and appears to be on track to be in the lineup for Opening Night. The winger tallied 25 goals last year while averaging 15:24 in ice time per night, including logging minutes on both the power play and the penalty kill. Given his solid numbers and durability, the 28-year-old offers solid mid-range value that borders on top-end.

Smith will not travel with the team due to a foot injury and will miss Monday's preseason matchup with the Jets, Brent Wallace of TSN Ottawa reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Guy Boucher told reporters he hopes to have Smith back Friday, which effectively rules him out of Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs. The 28-year-old is coming off a career year that saw him register 25 goals while missing just one game all season. The winger's biggest fantasy knock is a lack of time on the power play. During the 2015-16 campaign, Smith average 1:35 on the Sens second unit, but could be on the outside looking in at the start of the season.

Smith notched an assist and two PIM during Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Clarke MacArthur suffered another brutal concussion, leaving the opportunity for Smith to return to the top six, a role he flourished in last season. The 28-year-old was originally told he would be in the checking role, but before the regular season even dropped the puck, the winger shoots up next to newcomer Derick Brassard and stud Bobby Ryan. The 2008 third-round pick may not reach 25 goals again, but based off surrounding talent alone, Smith has the opportunity to reach 30-plus points.

Smith spoke to reporters at Monday's informal skate and mentioned that the coaches told him he'll play in the checking role during the upcoming season, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith had a career campaign in 2015-16 filling in for Clarke MacArthur, who suffered a season-ending concussion early in the year. The 28-year-old notched 25 goals and 11 assists skating predominantly on the top line, but will now slip down out of the top six. The winger is still primed to repeat, as Jean-Gabriel Pageau is an improving center, who he's developed chemistry with in the past. For now, Smith is still an option in deep leagues.

Smith finished up the 2015-16 season with 25 tallies, 11 helpers, 80 PIM and a plus-16 rating in 81 contests.

EDGE Analysis

Smith suffered a brutal wrist injury last season, but came back with a vengeance, setting a career high in three separate categories -- markers, points and his excellent rating. The 28-year-old smelled blood around the crease consistently, which is rather surprising considering his previous milestone was just 14 goals. It'll be tough to replicate his best campaign as a pro, but as long as he sticks on the first line (or even the top six), the chances will remain aplenty.

Smith scored twice Saturday in Ottawa's 6-1 win over Boston.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's season was flat-out amazing -- those two goals pushed him to 25 on the season, a total that's 11 more than his previous high (14). However, Smith is unlikely to repeat these totals again -- 2015-16 was pretty much lightning in a bottle for him.

Smith scored his 22nd goal on his only shot in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is a prime candidate for regression next season, as his 22 goals are the product of a ridiculous 19.1 percent shooting percentage which is double his career mark. The 27-year-old hasn't exceeded 14 goals in any of his prior NHL seasons and has just 11 helpers, so enjoy the rest of his luck-fueled scoring spree while it lasts.

Smith was nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy by the Ottawa chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer's Association. The award is presented to the NHL player that exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has come back from last season's wrist injury with authority, notching 21 goals and 11 helpers on the year -- easily his best campaign as a pro. The 27-year-old also accumulated a career-high eight-game point streak, which was icing on the cake for fantasy owners down the stretch. If Smith is awarded the trophy, it would be well deserved for the 2008 third-round pick.

Smith dished out a helper and two hits in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has come back down to earth after his eight-game point streak, reaching the scoresheet in just two of the last six. The 27-year-old hasn't been shy, however, firing on net 15 times in that span -- although no goals to show for it. Don't give up on the winger just yet, as the opportunity is still there on the first line.