Schmidt on the 3rd pair is very good, but there's also a chance he finds his offensive game again and perhaps is bumped into the 2nd pair.
He was a consistent 30-35 point defenseman for 5 years, with his last season at that level being with none other than Paul Maurice in 2020-21. That's essentially what Montour was with us outside of 2022-23, and I think Schmidt is more solid on the defensive end.
Ofc, not expecting him to find that level again. But I also wouldn't be shocked if it happened. Either way, Great deal.