Right Wing Austin Smith Sent to Idaho Steelheads

Austin Smith (Credit: Josh Rasmussen/Texas Stars)

After playing in ten games so far this season with Texas, Austin Smith has been sent down to Idaho. This is a paired transaction with the Taylor Vause recall. It gives Smith a chance to get solid ice time and Vause a reward for solid play in the ECHL.

Here's the release:

The Texas Stars, proud American Hockey League affiliate of the Dallas Stars, announced today that Dallas has reassigned right wing Austin Smith from Texas to the Idaho Steelheads, the team's ECHL affiliate.

Smith, 25, has appeared in 10 games so far this season with Texas, recording zero points, four penalty minutes and a -1 plus-minus rating. The Dallas, Texas native is in his second full pro season and has played in 38 career AHL games, compiling six points (2 goals, 4 assists) and 18 penalty minutes, all with the Stars. Smith skated in 38 regular season games for Idaho last season, leading the Steelheads in goals (27) and points (50). He also recorded 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) in 17 Kelly Cup playoff games, helping Idaho reach the 2013 Western Conference Finals. Smith was drafted by Dallas in the fifth round (128th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and signed a two-year entry-level contract on March 21, 2012.