July 17, 2017. A day that ultimately saved the Calgary Flames season before it started, but was a day that brought more questions than answers. That was the day the Flames sent Chad Johnson’s rights, college prospect Brandon Hickey and a conditional 3rd round pick to Arizona for 35 year old veteran goalie Mike Smith. I remember scratching my head at this deal and I wasn’t the only one here at M&G who wasn’t thrilled with the trade and with good reason.
Smith had played 12 seasons in the NHL before arriving in Calgary and the results were mixed to say the least.