Yes, that's probably it. The X-Men / Alpha Flight 2-issue LS "The Gift" was written by Chris Claremont... pencils by Paul Smith and the art is among the greatest I've ever seen for Alpha Flight, anywhere. That series was published in the Fall of 1985, which would make sense to be mentioned in a summer 1985 preview issue. No regrets on Paul Smith, but it would have been amazing too to get Art Adams on that project.

Love,
rplass