Mike Smith takes shot at former Coyotes teammates

Former Arizona Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith is known for being outspoken at times and it didn’t take him long to take a shot at his former team.

“I’m really looking forward to passing to some of these guys that can actually score,” Smith said on SportsNet 960 The Fan, a Calgary radio station. Smith was appearing on The Big Show with his new teammate Travis Hamonic.

Known for his puck movement as a goalie, Smith was originally asked if he was excited to be passing the puck ahead to Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, who already has over 200 career points to his name at 23 years old.

After the remark, Smith joked, “Did I say that on live radio?”

Smith was traded to the Flames in mid-June in exchange for a conditional draft pick, Boston University defenseman Brandon Hickey and goaltender Chad Johnson, who played for Arizona once before.

When he spoke about his experience in Arizona after being traded, Smith was nothing but positive to Arizona Sports’ Craig Morgan about moving on.

“I spent six years in Arizona,” he said. “My kids were all born there and I’ve made unbelievable friends with the Coyotes and away from hockey that we’ve grown attached to, so that part of change is difficult to fathom, but my wife and I are excited about this new opportunity, not only because it’s in Canada but because it’s with a team that’s ready to win right now.

“It’s been a struggle these past few years in Arizona. Not taking anything away from the players I played with, but I feel like I’m in the prime of my career and I’ve worked hard to get here so I believe I deserve a chance to be on a team that wants to win right now. Calgary is that team.”

 

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