Predators send Jerred Smithson to Florida

Long time Nashville Predator Jerred Smithson has been traded to the Florida Panthers for a sixth round pick in this summers NHL Entry Draft.

Smithson has has a long career with the Preds and has been a player that has exemplified what became known as "The Predator Way." It is not really surprising that the move was made considering the group of young players that fill similar roles with the team.

Smithson's contract runs through the 2012-13 season and will join a larger group of players that Florida has amassed as they try to win the Southeast Division title.

Here is the full story from the Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS ACQUIRE A SIXTH-ROUND PICK FROM FLORIDA
- Send forward Jerred Smithson to the Panthers -

Nashville, Tenn. (February 24, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired a sixth-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft in exchange for forward Jerred Smithson.

The Predators now have nine draft picks for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft to be held June 22-23, 2012 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. – their own picks in the first, and fourth through seventh rounds, in addition Toronto’s third-round pick, Phoenix’s fourth rounder and both Florida and the New York Rangers’ sixth-round selections.

Smithson, 33 (2/4/79), suited up for 497 regular-season games for the Predators from 2005-12, the sixth-most in franchise history, amassing 86 points (36g-50a) and 313 penalty minutes. The Vernon, B.C., native has appeared in each of the Predators last five playoff appearances as well, and ranks fifth in the franchise’s postseason games played list (31). On April 22, 2011 in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals vs. Anaheim, he scored the first overtime goal in Predators postseason history, helping Nashville win its first ever playoff series the following game.

The Predators finish off their final extended homestand of the season with visits from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday (7 p.m., 102.5 The Game, McDonald’s Family Four Pack) and the L.A. Kings on Monday (7 p.m., FS-TN, 102.5 The Game, Dollar Dog Night). When the Sharks come calling on Saturday, the Predators will also be honoring former Associate Coach and current Hockey Operations Advisor Brent Peterson with a Brent Peterson Appreciation/Parkinson’s Awareness Night. Peterson will be recognized for his contributions to the organization, and courage for taking his battle with Parkinson’s to the public. To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass