Mike Smith's Column Page 2 - The Hockey News

Mike Smith's Column

Mike Smith's Blog: Looking back and looking forward at the trade deadline

by Mike Smith - February 6, 2008 12:32 PM EST

The former NHL GM talks about his experiences at the deadline and what team's will be looking for this season as Feb. 26 approaches.
February has become a favorite month for the fans: The trade deadline. Yes there will be lots of trade discussions by GM’s, but nowhere near the amount writers will report or fans will fantasize about.

Mike Smith's Blog: Scouting talent

by Mike Smith - December 18, 2007 11:08 AM EST

Being an NHL scout is tougher than it used to be, but you meet many people and discover many players.
Imagine you’re eight years old and are told: “Someday you will be a hockey scout. Your job will be to watch hockey games and you will be paid to do it.

Mike Smith's Blog: So you want to be a GM?

by Mike Smith - November 28, 2007 2:13 PM EST

Being an NHL GM isn't always glamorous; only those who have done it can understand its pressures.
A few days ago I rode down in a crowded press room elevator with a GM. His team had just been beaten and they were barely competitive that night.

Mike Smith's Blog: Where will they come from?

by Mike Smith - November 13, 2007 1:51 PM EST

Former NHL GM Mike Smith examines how bias in the NHL continues to shape the league's landscape.
My first NHL job was as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers in 1976. On most Mondays the players had an East-West Game. Players from Ontario comprised the East and ones from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia made up the West.