Senators' Zack Smith: Wants to stick with team once contract is up

Smith said he would like to re-sign with the Senators when asked about his expiring contract, but the winger won't take a hometown discount, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun reports. "I want to be here," he said. "I love the new changes we've made. It's kind of put a new spark in our club. It feels like we have a really solid direction, and I want to be a part of that. but ultimately, it's up to them. Whenever they want to get going, we can talk."

Analysis:

"I would take three more of him," coach Guy Boucher said. Smith didn't receive a contract extension after last year's 25-goal campaign, which should come as no surprise. While calling it a fluke may be going too far, the 28-year-old had never surpassed 14 tallies in his previous seven seasons with the Senators. The 2008 third-round pick has also struggled to keep a clean bill of health in the past. However, Smith is off to a hot start this year -- two goals and an assist -- and looks to be on a mission to repeat his 2015-16 performance. As long as the winger remains in the top six, he's a realistic bet to reach 20-plus again and earn another contract with Ottawa.