Predators sign Craig Smith as countdown to the lockout continues

With less than six hours remaining before the NHL owners are expected to lockout the players, the Nashville Predators announced that they have signed forward Craig Smith to a two year contract extension.

This season will be the final year of Smith's entry level contract that will pay him $900,000 this year. Here is the full release from the Predators...


NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN CRAIG SMITH TO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT

Nashville, Tenn. (September 15, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Craig Smith to a two-year, $4 million contract that will pay him $2 million in both 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Smith, 23 (9/5/89), tied for seventh among all NHL rookies in goals (14) and assists (22), and ranked eighth in points (36) in 72 games during the 2011-12 season. The point and assist totals were the second highest by a rookie in Predators franchise history. The 6-0, 196-pounder also tied for second among first-year NHLers in power-play goals (6), and participated in the rookie portion of the 2012 All-Star Weekend.

A native of Madison, Wis., Smith was Nashville's sixth choice, 98th overall (fourth round), in the 2009 Entry Draft. He spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin from 2009-11, notching 76 points (27g-49a) in 82 games and helping the Badgers advance to the 2010 NCAA National Championship Game. He has represented the United States at the past two World Championships, being named one of Team USA’s three best players at the 2011 World Championships after leading the team in goals (3) and ranking second in points (6).

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass