Earlier this month an arbitrator was tasked with assessing Gemel Smith’s value.



In a meeting in Toronto on Aug. 1, arguments were heard for and against the 24-year-old forward. The Stars were looking for a $715,000 contract with a two-way clause, meaning Smith would be paid less if sent to the AHL. Smith and his representation came to the meeting asking for $900,000 on a one-way deal.



In the end, Smith got his one-way deal, but the arbitrator ruled closer to the Stars favor when it came to financial value and awarded Smith a one-year, $720,000 deal.



While the negotiation provided a financial valuation, it brings up a bigger question: what type of value does Smith bring on the ice and how does he fit into the Stars’ long-term plans?



Based on traditional metrics Smith looks like an afterthought, and he really was treated that way last season. He played in 46 games and had 11 points, averaging 9 minutes, 26 seconds of ice time. In half...