Veteran NHL forward Craig Smith joins Blackhawks on $1 million-a-year contract
Photo credit: Daily FaceOff
Blackhawks' offseason revamp introduces Craig Smith amidst a wave of new signings.
With a flurry of new signings in the off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks are poised for a renewed run in the 2024-2025 NHL season.
Among the notable acquisitions is forward Craig Smith, a seasoned player with 13 years in the league and a diverse resume, including stints with the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, and Boston Bruins.
Smith's entry, on a modest one-year, $1 million contract, signals a strategic depth addition by GM Kyle Davidson, following the departure of several team members.
Career Overview: A Journey Through the NHL
Craig Smith, now 34, brings a well-rounded portfolio of experience back closer to his roots in Madison, Wisconsin.
Smith's journey in professional hockey began with the Wisconsin Badgers, post his initial engagement with the sport at 16.
His NHL draft came in 2009 when the Nashville Predators picked him 98th overall after a commendable tenure with the USHL's Waterloo Blackhawks.
His choice to play for the Badgers, motivated by both educational excellence and a robust hockey program, underscored his lifelong ambition to grace the NHL stages.
Rookie Season: Nashville
Smith's rookie season with Nashville at 22 was marked by notable achievements, including his first goal against Columbus Blue Jackets' goalie Steve Mason.
He wrapped up his debut with 36 points (14 G, 22 A) across 72 games, setting a precedent for his consistent performance.
" (Smith was) the definition of consistency. He had three consecutive 20-goal seasons and hit that total five times with the organization. He was known for his quick hands, shot, grittiness, and speed, which showed on the stat sheet. "
Transitions and New Roles
After his successful stint in Nashville, Smith moved to the Boston Bruins in the 2020-2021 season on a contract worth $3.1 million AAV.
In Boston, he quickly adapted to a second-line role alongside Taylor Hall and David Krejci. Hall lauded Smith's abilities, noting his impact on game dynamics through aggressive neutral zone plays and offensive turnovers.
" I think he tilts the ice with his wall play in his end and his speed through the neutral zone. The ability to create turnovers in the offensive zone right away was something that caught my eye when we started playing together. That's one of my favorite things to do is create offense off the turnovers. (He's) probably one of the most well-liked guys I've played with as a teammate. I'm just really happy for him tonight. "
Utility and Veteran Savvy in Chicago
In his latest chapter with the Blackhawks, Smith's role is more than just playing-it's about bringing in the veteran savvy and perhaps rekindling chemistry with former teammates if needed.
His brief period in Washington and a foundational role in Dallas showcased his adaptability, thriving in a defensively focused fourth-line role.
" Smith often won his minutes on a very good fourth line with the Stars. He wasn't much danger offensively like in his prime, but he was great defensively and had a lot of puck possession. I'm not positive how much credit Smith can get individually (especially since Chicago is on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to winning shifts). But I'd still say he's definitely one of the better fourth-liners in the league. "
As the Blackhawks integrate Smith and other new signings into their lineup, the team's strategy appears geared towards blending experience with fresh talent to forge a competitive edge.
With 10 playoff runs under his belt, Smith is not just a player; he's a potential catalyst for the Blackhawks' aspirations to climb the ranks this season.
Source: Yardbarker
Meet the New Blackhawks: Craig Smith
Meet the New Blackhawks: Craig Smith
| POLL | ||
18 AOUT | 37 ANSWERS Veteran NHL forward Craig Smith joins Blackhawks on $1 million-a-year contract Do you think Craig Smith will be a positive force on the Blackhawks lineup? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 67.6 % |
| No | 12 | 32.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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