Craig Smith, who spent nine seasons with the Nashville Predators from 2011 to 2020 after being drafted by them in 2009, has officially announced his retirement following a 14-year career. The Magnuson Hockey Agency confirmed on Monday that Smith is retiring after playing for several NHL teams including the Predators, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings.
Over his career, Smith accumulated 220 goals, 232 assists, and a total of 452 points across 987 games. He also represented the United States at the IIHF World Championships in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, earning a bronze medal in 2013.
Before turning pro, Smith played 54 games with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL, scoring 48 points, and was selected 98th overall by the Predators in the 2009 NHL Draft. He spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin before joining Nashville for the 2011-12 season, where he notched 22 points in 72 games his rookie year. During his time with the Predators, he appeared in 661 regular season games, scoring 330 points (162 goals and 168 assists).
Smith’s peak performance came in the 2013-14 season with 52 points (24 goals and 28 assists) in 79 games. He also had a strong showing in 2017-18, posting 51 points (25 goals and 26 assists) across 79 games. In the playoffs, Smith played 52 games, tallying 16 points (7 goals and 9 assists), including during Nashville’s run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. Notably, he scored a goal in the Predators’ 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3 of the Finals.
Before the 2020-21 season began, Smith chose not to re-sign with the Predators, becoming a free agent and subsequently signing with the Boston Bruins. He continued his career with five different teams over the next seven seasons.
Smith holds several significant records in the Predators’ history, ranking 6th in goals with 133.7, 4th in even-strength goals with 120, tied for 5th in power play goals with 42, and tied for 9th in game-winning goals with 22. He is also remembered for an infamous moment on November 17, 2011, when he missed an open net against the Toronto Maple Leafs by shooting the puck high over the goal; despite this, Nashville still won the game 4-1.
Fan Take: Craig Smith’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Predators and the NHL community, as he was a consistent and reliable player who contributed significantly on both ends of the ice. His career reminds hockey fans of the value of dedication and versatility, and his absence will pave the way for new talent to rise within the league.
