Smith grew up in the Boston area and attended Boston College. Smith was asked what player he wants to emulate his game after and opened up about his relationship with the future Hall of Famer.
"When growing up in the Boston area, Patrice Bergeron," Smith said. "[He's] someone I've watched my whole life. [We have] the same agency, [so] I've gotten to be real close to him and even get some tips on faceoffs and stuff like that."
Bergeron has won the Selke Trophy for a record six times as the NHL's best defensive forward. He was named captain of the Bruins in 2021.
Smith told reporters that he really wants to work on his two-way game, which he can discuss with Bergeron a lot.
"I'm trying to work on everything. Especially my two-way game," Smith said. "[That's something I know is going to be big in the NHL."
The centerman told reporters that Bergeron told him he could reach out any time.
"We were supposed to get out and golf before I left, but I got a little busy having the rookie orientation and stuff like that," Smith said. "He said whenever I want to reach out, it'll be good."
Bergeron thought the game better than almost anyone in the NHL. Smith said that he gets invaluable information from the Bruins legend.
"He started in the league pretty young. He's touched on it, and there's going to be ups and downs. I mean, everyone has said that to me, and it's a tough league for a reason, the best one in the world," Smith said. "Like I said, [he's one of a] bunch of guys that said to reach out if I ever need anything."
Bergeron won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011 over the Vancouver Canucks.
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