Craig Smith Announces Retirement from Professional Hockey
After an impressive 14-year career in the NHL, forward Craig Smith has officially decided to retire from professional hockey. The 35-year-old, who was a prominent figure for several teams, including a significant nine-year stint with the Nashville Predators, revealed his decision through the Magnuson Hockey Agency on Monday.
Early Career and NHL Debut
Drafted by Nashville as the 98th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, Smith’s journey began with a standout performance at the USHL, where he tallied 48 points in just 54 games with the Waterloo Blackhawks. Following two successful years at the University of Wisconsin, he made his NHL debut in the 2011-2012 season with the Predators, finishing his rookie year with 22 points across 72 games.
Achievements with Nashville
During his time with Nashville, Smith played in 661 regular-season games and recorded an impressive 330 points, comprised of 162 goals and 168 assists. His most productive season came in 2013-14, when he achieved 52 points in 79 games, which includes his notable performance during the Predators’ playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. He contributed significantly in that postseason, scoring a goal in the pivotal Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, solidifying his presence on the ice under pressure.
Later Career and Legacy
Smith’s career saw him transition to several other NHL teams post-Nashville, including the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Chicago Blackhawks, among others. Over his full career, he played a total of 987 games, amassing 220 goals and 232 assists for a grand total of 452 points. Additionally, he represented the United States in multiple IIHF World Championships, securing a bronze medal in 2013.
Memorable Moments
While his on-ice legacy is undeniable, Smith is perhaps also remembered for an infamous moment in his career:
missing a shot on an empty net during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in November 2011
, a memorable incident that, while not ideal, was overshadowed by the Predators’ solid victory that night.
Conclusion
Smith’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he ranks among Nashville’s all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including games played (661, 9th), goals (162, 6th), and total points scored (330, 7th). His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who will always be regarded as a key figure in the hearts of Predators fans and those who followed his career across the league.
