Predators Craig Smith Signs 5 Year Contract, $4.25M AAV

Forward Craig Smith signed a five-year, $21.25 million contract with the Nashville Predators on Monday. Smith and the Predators had a salary arbitration hearing Monday, then agreed to a contract. Predators president and general manager David Poile said in a statement:

As evidenced by his back to back 20 goal seasons and performance in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Craig Smith is an integral part of our team's young core and we are pleased to have agreed on a long term contract that both parties are comfortable with. With Craig's durability, work ethic and intensity, we see him continuing the build on his recent production and be a valuable contributor to our offensive attack for the next five seasons.

Smith, who is 25 years old, scored 23 goals and 21 assists in 82 regular season games. He had two goals and three assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. Nashville's fourth round pick at the 2009 NHL Draft, Smith has accumulated 65 goals and 79 assists in 277 career games.