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Should the Nashville Predators Pursue a Craig Smith Reunion?

By Alec Creasy

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 17: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 17, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/NHL/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 17: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 17, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/NHL/Getty Images) /
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As of today, December 18, Forward Craig Smith of the Boston Bruins has hit waivers, leaving him opened to be claimed by another NHL team. Those of you who have followed the Nashville Predators since before the shortened 2020-21 season will likely remember him.

For those that don’t know, Smith started his playing career with the Preds during the 2011-12 season, and continued to remain with the team up until he was let go in free agency to be picked up by the Bruins in 2020.

A beloved player on and off the ice is now up for grabs in the NHL. The big question is, should the Preds pursue a reunion with the center?

Nashville Predators Should Be Wary of Cap Implications for Craig Smith

According to CapFriendly, the Predators currently have around $3.01 million in cap space. Craig Smith is on the final year of his 3 year, $9.3 million contract with the Bruins, with an AAV (Average Annual Value) of $3.1 million.

Taking on Smith’s contract would likely put the Predators in a position where they would have to shed some cap. Even then, is his hit worth it for the Preds right now?

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The team is currently in free fall, with a record of 0-6-2 in their last 8. Not sure I’d be looking to collect a player who is regressing and not the same Craig Smith Predators fans remember from his time here in Nashville.

Preds Would Be Wise To Not Shop For Any Players Right Now

The Nashville Predators are currently letting this season get away from them quickly. I could go on and on about the team’s horrendous issues, but I feel like everyone has seen enough to know just how poorly the Predators are performing this season.

The Preds currently have a record of 12-13-4 with 28 points in the standings, good for 6th in the Central Division and 6 points out of a wildcard playoff spot. It would behoove this team to stay away from acquiring players, especially players like Smith who are regressing and won’t really make an impact on the roster.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, as much as I love Craig Smith and all he has done for Nashville, it is not wise to claim him off waivers. His play has been regressing with the Bruins, and the last thing the Predators need is a regressing forward eating up their cap.

Next. Preds Entering Tank For Connor Bedard Discussion. dark

The Preds have a lot more issues to worry about. Their season is quickly going down the gutter, and at this point it might be better to tank and rebuild for the future. The Predators do not need to add a player that will not make an impact and only eat up cap space.

I highly doubt that General Manager David Poile will go after Smith, but stranger things have happened. Only time will tell what the Preds will decide on, but if it were me, I’d stay away from this reunion.

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