"The uncertainty of not knowing where you're going to be, obviously it always weighs on you and your family," the 38-year-old goalie said. "But when it came down to it, I think Edmonton was always a place that I wanted to be. I really believe in the group and the coaching staff that is in place in Edmonton and really enjoyed my year there last year.
Smith, who was an unrestricted free agent, went 19-12-6 with a 2.95 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage and one shutout in 39 games (37 starts) with the Oilers last season. He was 0-1 and allowed five goals on 23 shots in his only game in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers; the Oilers, the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, lost to the No. 12-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in four games in a best-of-5 series, played at Rogers Place in Edmonton, the West hub city.
Smith said the loss to the Blackhawks will provide added incentive this season.
"We obviously couldn't get the job done in those circumstances, but I don't think that reflects anything about our group," he said. "I think it probably motivates guys more to be more prepared coming into this season. I think it left a sour taste in guys' mouths that we got beat out against Chicago in the bubble and it didn't go as planned."
The signing likely means the Oilers will return the same goalies they used last season, when Smith and Mikko Koskinen split the job.
Smith said he wasn't concerned about the Oilers exploring the market before re-signing him.
"At my age and my experience, you've just got to be patient. Everything works out for the better if you're patient, and things have," Smith said. "I'm super-excited to be back with Edmonton and in the great organization they have and to be honest, I couldn't care less about what's transpired up to this point. I'm just thrilled to be back."
Selected by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round (No. 161) of the 2001 NHL Draft, Smith is 262-248-74 with a 2.71 GAA, a .911 save percentage and 39 shutouts in 610 games (588 starts) with the Oilers, Calgary Flames, Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Stars. He is 11-13 with a 2.33 GAA, a .934 save percentage and four shutouts in 25 NHL playoff games (23 starts).
