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Predators: Looking at the Biggest Unrestricted Free Agents Next Offseason

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 19: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 19: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 19: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 19: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Craig Smith

This one is going to be the toughest decision to make in my opinion. Simply speaking, Smith hasn’t played well so far this season. He’s been held in check and doesn’t look anywhere near his usual lock of scoring 20-plus goals.

With all of that being said, Smith has been such an important piece of the Nashville Predators for several seasons now. He was drafted by the Predators in 2009 and has always brought the intensity needed to rally the troops.

Smith is approaching the back nine of his NHL career, if he’s not already there. He’s making $4.25 million this season while putting up just seven points in 27 games. He’s been a regular on the third line for the Predators and is shooting percentage has oddly slumped all the way down to three percent. Way below his career average of 9.3 percent.

I don’t think it’s going to take a crazy high contract to keep Smith in Nashville. I’ve always hoped he retires as a member of the Nashville Predators. However, this might be one of those business decisions that sees him sadly wear the sweater of another team next season.

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