Smith has consistently scored 20-25 goals 5 of the last 6 years. I think you may be conflating consistentency with your expectations, which perhaps are unrealistic.
- Vegas Trotzkies
My expectations of Smith are actually quite realistic... Because you know exactly what to expect from Craig, and have for about three seasons now. He's good for around twenty goals a year, and he's always going to give you his best effort, but two out of every three games he's a complete non-factor, if he doesn't go totally invisible. That's what I mean when I bring up Smith's consistency, he's just not the same player night-in-and-night-out. Top six forwards in this league should at least be threats to score most nights, even when they don't score. That's were Craig comes up short. Look, I like Smith too. He's one of the few guys on the team whose effort I never question, I'm just under no delusions to what he is. He's an overachieving third line caliber player with top six talent, but for whatever reason just can't put things together in long enough stretches to rely upon him in a top-six role. Yes, if Lavy is going to continue using Smith in the top six, I am going to expect him to play at a top six level or I will continue to be disappointed with him. Hopefully playing with Duchene and Granlund next year will be what he needs to reach that next level, if he is capable of reaching it.