Jul 20, 2015
Preds sign Smith to five-year, $21.25M deal
Craig Smith had his arbitration hearing, but didn't need a ruling. The 25-year-old restricted free agent centre agreed to terms with the Nashville Predators on a five-year deal worth $21.25 million. Smith scored 23 goals and added 21 assists in 82 games this past season.
The Canadian Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Predators have avoided arbitration with Craig Smith by signing the forward to a $21.25 million, five-year contract.
General manager David Poile announced the deal with the restricted free agent on Monday.
"Craig Smith is an integral part of our team's young core and we are pleased to have agreed on a long-term contract that both parties are comfortable with," Poile said in a statement. "With Craig's durability, work ethic and intensity, we see him continuing to build on his recent production and be a valuable contributor to our offensive attack for the next five seasons."
Smith, 25, has scored at least 20 goals in two straight seasons. He had five points (two goals, three assists) in six games in Nashville's first-round playoff loss to Chicago.
A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Smith has 144 points (65 goals, 79 assists) in 277 career games with Nashville. The 98th overall pick in the 2009 draft has played for the United States in four World Championships since 2011.