Tuesday morning, the Nashville Predators announced the signing of Craig Smith to a two-year entry level deal.
The fourth round draft pick decided to turn pro instead of returning back to the University of Wisconsin for his junior year.
The decision to turn professional should not come as a surprise.
At the Predators Skate of the Union on July 13th, General Manager David Poile spoke highly of Smith, suggesting he was NHL ready. The announcement that Smith would turn pro was made official the following day.
The 6-1, Madison, Wisconsin native played for the United States in May at the 2011 World Championships. The international tournament can be seen as a breakout for Smith, competing against NHL players–and succeeding. The center was named one of Team USA’s three best players, leading the team in goals (3) and ranking second in points (6) in seven tournament games.
In two years at the NCAA level, Smith collected 76 points in 82 games, scoring 27 goals and added 49 assists.
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