He's had a linear regression. Don't understand what happened there
Last year he was out with a virus and those type of illness aren't really physical where you heal and then go play. Those illnesses take a lot out of you because your entire immune system and body is focused on fighting the foreign body; so that means carbs are used, your metabolism suffers, and you become weak. I would not label him a bad player because his production fell last year.
This year he's been solid for the most part, it's not like he looks bad out there. The problem is that Penn State has lost a ton of depth and talent the past two years and his numbers might reflect that. They're a team who plays like no defence and the coach somehow stumbled on a super line with their personnel (similar to us). That super line (Barrett, Limoges, and Folkes) pretty much gets to play all offencive zones and majority of the PP. Smirnov started the season on the 3rd line and has actually jumped to the second the last couple of weeks which there has been an increased production for him, however Barrett is currently injured which might be the case.
If there is a problem its that his skating hasn't really improved since when we've drafted him. He's very similar to DeBrincat for me where the talent is there, they're well built for their smaller frame, and that they're more "zonal" players than "off the rush" players. However, DeBrincat has a lethal shot to stand out, while Smirnov doesn't really have one strong suit besides his IQ to hide in the shadows and pounce on the weak side. Hard to say what happens because the talent is there, the energy is there, the IQ is there, but he isn't getting the points (except for today of course). I thought he would be more three years and out, but considering how much he lost last year with his sickness he has to return for a senior season before we think of even signing him IMHO.
