Predators Sign Jerred Smithson to Two-Year Contract

[Thrillhouse]

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Jerred Smithson to a two-year, $1.6 million contract. He will make $800,000 during both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.

Smithson, 31 (2/4/79), has played in all 42 of Nashville’s games this season, posting eight points (4g-4a). He ranks eighth in the National Hockey League in face-off winning percentage (58.7) and ninth among League forwards in average shorthanded time on ice, a category he’s led the team in the last four seasons. He’s also paced Predator forwards in hits the past three seasons, and again leads the club in the statistic. Additionally, the Vernon, B.C., native ranks fifth franchise’s all-time shorthanded points list (5g-4a).

A free-agent signee of the Predators on July 22, 2004, Smithson has appeared in 434 career games with Nashville (404) and Los Angeles (30) since 2002-03, notching 79 points (34g-35a) and 290 penalty minutes. He ranks ninth on the franchise’s all-time games played list, and is tied for third in longest tenure with the club among active roster members. Smithson has suited up for 20 of the Predators 22 playoff games since 2006.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Good faceoff PK guy. I'm alright with the signing I guess, but I would think they could have brought a younger guy from within to do the same thing with a little more offensive upside.

[acd1]

Signings like this are why the Nashville Predators always ice a competitive squad on a reduced budget. Smithson is an outstanding PK guy who is awesome in the face off circle. I know its largely a depth signing, but it ensures the Preds will have a good PK1 and Trotz will always be confident on defensive zone draws. God bless NashVegas

[FrontLineAdmirals]

Originally Posted by BrianTheAdsFan

Good faceoff PK guy. I'm alright with the signing I guess, but I would think they could have brought a younger guy from within to do the same thing with a little more offensive upside.

Offensive upside and Nashville do not mix.