Today the preds signed 2009 draft pick Craig Smith. Smith has played the past two years at the University of Wisconsin. His stats look like this:
"Smith, 21 (9/5/89), turns pro after spending the past two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, amassing 76 points (27g-49a) and 159 penalty minutes in 82 games. The Madison, Wis., native ranked ninth in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in goals (19), tied for 11th in conference scoring (19g-24a-43pts) in 2010-11, in addition to tying for fourth in game-winning goals (5), and sixth in power-play points (8g-15a-23pts). As a freshman in 2009-10, Smith helped the Badgers advance to the 2010 NCAA National Championship Game (on a team that also included current Predator Blake Geoffrion) and was named to the WCHA All-Rookie team after finishing ninth in NCAA freshman scoring (8g-25a-33pts). He also joins defenseman Ryan Suter as UW Badgers in the Predators organization." Thanks to Preds press realease.
Smith will be a great addition to Milwaukee, and maybe even the big club. During the skate of the Union event, Poile hinted that he and the kid were in understanding that he might have a shot at the Preds line up with his old line mate Blake Geoffrion. This kid is suppose to be dynamic, he was a top three player on USA's world championship team. The official signing of Smith will make camp very interesting.
If in fact Smith does make the Preds it makes for an interesting situation. With the current roster, the Preds will have thirteen forward, if Smith makes it, they will have fourteen forwards on roster. Granted it would be nice to have some extra players for the inevitable injuries. The big question becomes could the signing of Smith mean that Colin Wilson will be moved? Only time will tell.
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