Trevor Smith has been huge for the Maple Leafs

To get a better understanding of what Trevor Smith has meant to the Toronto Maple Leafs just take into account what Joffrey Lupul said on Wednesday.

“He’s a big reason why we have been able to have a good record with three centres out,” said Lupul.

At 28 years of age – after playing a 36 NHL games over the course of  seven seasons for Pittsburgh, Tampa and with the Islanders  – Smith seems to have finally found a home in Toronto.

“It’s been awesome,” said Smith, who signed as a free agent with the Leafs in July. “Playing for the Maple Leafs is a dream come true.”

Smith is captain of the Toronto Marlies, but has been recalled on a couple of occasions to the NHL club thanks to injuries to Dave Bolland and Tyler Bozak and a suspension to Nazem Kadri.

He had a goal and two assists in Tuesday’s win over the New York Islanders playing on a line with Lupul and David Clarkson.

“They are making it kind of easy for me,” said Smith. “They have been really welcoming and it's been a pleasure playing with both of them so far.”

Smith, who was born in Ottawa but has lived all across the country, has taken advantage of his opportunity with the Leafs picking up 3 goals and 3 assists in 12 NHL games.

“Definitely coming in as a younger guy you aren't confident, you aren’t ready,” said Smith. “Now at this point in my career there is no time to waste. You have to be ready to play right now.”

“There’s been a little bit of an opportunity for me. It’s been a nice spot for me to come up and try to prove what I can do. It was important for me to come up with a big start."

That he has.

During practice on Wednesday, Smith was on the Leafs second line once again with Lupul and Clarkson, as his NHL dream looks as if it will continue a bit longer.

There was some thought that Smith would be sent back to the Marlies.

That doesn’t seem to be the case. He’s been too valuable to the Leafs.