Jerred Smithson Re-Signs with Predators for Two Years

The highly versatile Jerred Smithson has re-signed with the Nashville Predators in a two year deal that will pay him a reported $1.6 million over the term of the contract.

Smithson is the prototype, Barry Trotz-type, Nashville Predator. He gives 100% every night, works the corners, goes to the dirty areas of the ice, and is strong on face-offs. He also has the ability to move up a line and play center or wing in a more offensive role when needed.

This season, he has played all 42 games and has four goals and four assists and has been a leader on the penalty kill and shutdown lines, playing against the NHL's best players.

Many folks had speculated that Smithson would not be re-signed but I had held firm that he is one of the key role players on the team that David Poile would not allow to leave. The Predators were hurt after the departure of Vern Fiddler and Scotty Nichol who were similar gritty players and I have doubted that they would do anything with those who are successful in that role currently.

Here is the full release from the Predators...


NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN FORWARD JERRED SMITHSON TO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT

Nashville, Tenn. (January 12, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Jerred Smithson to a two-year, $1.6 million contract. He will make $800,000 during both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.

Smithson, 31 (2/4/79), has played in all 42 of Nashville’s games this season, posting eight points (4g-4a). He ranks eighth in the National Hockey League in face-off winning percentage (58.7) and ninth among League forwards in average shorthanded time on ice, a category he’s led the team in the last four seasons. He’s also paced Predator forwards in hits the past three seasons, and again leads the club in the statistic. Additionally, the Vernon, B.C., native ranks fifth franchise’s all-time shorthanded points list (5g-4a)

A free-agent signee of the Predators on July 22, 2004, Smithson has appeared in 434 career games with Nashville (404) and Los Angeles (30) since 2002-03, notching 79 points (34g-35a) and 290 penalty minutes. He ranks ninth on the franchise’s all-time games played list, and is tied for third in longest tenure with the club among active roster members. Smithson has suited up for 20 of the Predators 22 playoff games since 2006.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass