Chayka clears the air on Smith rumors: Mike is 'our rock'
Mike Smith is among the NHL's most underrated goalies, and despite him playing on a club that finished tied for third-last in the league this season, rumors continue to swirl around the netminder's future.
Coyotes general manager John Chayka set the record straight Monday, affirming the value of his man between the pipes.
"If it's being viewed as me making Mike available and starting a bidding war, that's not the case," Chayka said, according to Craig Morgan of ArizonaSports.com. "We're taking calls on players every year. I don't think anyone is untradeable, but like we talked about last year with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, he's up as high on that list as anyone."
Related: Is Mike Smith a fit for the Flames' crease?
While Ekman-Larsson isn't leaving anytime soon, Smith is someone Chayka may be willing to part with due to his age (35) and injury history (he's started in 65 games or more only once in his 12-season career). With that being said, he posted solid numbers, including a 2.92 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage, while playing behind a Coyotes squad that allowed the third-most goals per game last year at 3.15.
Regardless, the GM recognizes Smith's value, and won't let him go unless the price is right.
"There's a value to our team that Mike has, being an All-Star and our rock," said Chayka. "His value is extremely high but if someone wants to pay an even higher value for him, that's the industry."
As Morgan pointed out, Arizona's options in goal after Smith are shaky at best, with Louis Domingue and third-round pick Adin Hill being the immediate alternatives.
In 26 NHL starts last season, Domingue recorded 11 wins, a 3.08 GAA, and a .908 save percentage. Adin, meanwhile, posted a 3.16 GAA while going 16-14 for the AHL's Tuscon Roadrunners.
Those numbers suggest Smith will be back in the Coyotes' crease next season.