Did Smith even want to sign here again? Granted he was cheered on as a hero through the playoffs, during most of the regular season the fans were pretty hard on him. It also felt like he still wanted to play a 50+ game workload but the Flames were not willing to give it to him. He probably feels Edmonton is a good stop as he has a chance to play 50+ next year, whereas, here Rittich has been picked as the man this coming season.
I think Smith is a good pick up for the Oilers if they can keep his games down and he doesn't injure himself. I personally, think Smith still has it, his poor start last year was from the rust of his previous injury. He only improved throughout the season. The question is for how much longer and the Flames decided that the risk was better with the Talbot reclamation project.
Looking forward to the Talbot era, the Flames play a more structured game that could help him regain his form. It would be a great pick up for us if he recovers.