Bobby Smith, the newly acquired centre for the Montreal Canadiens, was the subject of scrutiny in a 1983 article from the archives of The Hockey News.
On October 28, 1983, the Montreal Canadiens sent forwards Mark Napier, Keith Acton and a third round draft pick to the Minnesota North Stars for centre Bobby Smith. The Canadiens were still stinging from the selection of Doug Wickenheiser in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, and hopeful that Smith would be the answer to their need down the middle.
In his first 14 games with Montreal, Smith scored 12 goals and added four assists centering the Canadiens top line with Guy Lafleur on the right side.
Lafleur told The Hockey News, "Look at all the successful teams, they’ve all got big centers who can move the puck. We’ve really needed a big centerman—this club hasn’t been able to replace Jacques Lemaire."
Despite his initial success since the trade, Smith had his critics in Montreal, to no one's surprise.
The full story of Bobby Smith written by Bob McKenzie appeared on the pages of THN on December 9, 1983.
The Hockey News, Vol. 37, Issue 11
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