Preds avoid arbitration with Smith
NASHVILLE, TN (The Spread) – The Predators and Craig Smith have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a new five-year deal.
Smith’s new deal is worth $21.25 million over five years. The 25-year-old has scored at least 20 goals in two straight seasons and finished with five points in six games in the Predators’ first-round loss to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks.
“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,” GM David Poile said in a statement. “With Craig’s durability, work ethic and intensity, we see him continuing to build on his recent production and be a valuable contributor to our offensive attack for the next five seasons.”
According to oddsmakers from online sports book GT Bets, the Predators are 16/1 to win the 2016 Stanley Cup, giving them the same odds as the Wild and Blues. The Hawks are currently 6/1 Stanley Cup favorites.
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