NHL Rumors: Mike Smith Opens Up About Playing Future

Mike Smith may have another year left on his contract, but that doesn't automatically mean that he will play during the 2022-23 season with the Edmonton Oilers. When asked by reporters if he will return next season, the 40-year-old netminder said that it's "too early to tell."

Although the Oilers made the Western Conference Final this postseason, Smith's inconsistency in net was a major talking point. In fact, throughout the season, fans criticized the Oilers' goaltending duo of him and Mikko Koskinen heavily. It's a position of weakness in Edmonton, so things could change whether the veteran retires or not.