Craig Smith Bio
Craig Smith is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round, 98th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and also played for the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. Smith’s career spanned from 2011 to 2025, during which he established himself as a skilled player known for his scoring ability and versatility on the ice.
Early Life and Background
Craig Smith was born on September 5, 1989, in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. He began playing hockey at the young age of three, which laid the foundation for his future career. Smith attended La Follette High School in Madison, where he played under head coach Jeff Weum, leading the team in scoring as a freshman. His talent was evident early on, and during his junior year, he was drafted by the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League (USHL).
Smith played three seasons with the Waterloo Black Hawks from 2006 to 2009, achieving impressive statistics with 49 goals and 68 assists (117 points) in 157 regular season games. His performance earned him a spot on the USHL First All-Star Team for the 2008–09 season. Following his successful stint in the USHL, Smith attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played for the men’s hockey team for two seasons, serving as captain in his final year. He recorded 27 goals and 49 assists (159 points) in 82 regular season games during his time at Wisconsin.
Path to Hockey
After his collegiate career, Craig Smith participated in the 2011 IIHF World Championship as a member of the United States men’s national ice hockey team. His strong performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. Smith made his NHL debut on October 7, 2011, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he scored his first NHL goal against goaltender Steve Mason. Over the next ten seasons, he played primarily for the Predators, where he became a key player.
During his time with the Nashville Predators, Smith played a significant role in the team’s success, including their playoff runs. He also spent part of the 2012–13 season playing for KalPa in Finland due to the NHL lockout. In July 2015, after becoming a restricted free agent, he signed a five-year contract worth $21.25 million with the Predators, solidifying his position within the team.
Craig Smith Career
Early Career (2011–2020)
Craig Smith’s early career in the NHL was marked by steady growth and development. He played ten seasons with the Nashville Predators from 2011 to 2020, where he became known for his offensive skills and work ethic. During this period, Smith contributed significantly to the team’s performance, including their playoff appearances. His notable achievements included scoring critical goals and being a reliable presence on the ice.
In September 2020, after nine seasons with the Predators, Smith informed the team that he would not sign a new contract and would become a free agent. Shortly thereafter, he signed a three-year, $9.3 million contract with the Boston Bruins, marking a new chapter in his career.
Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Smith’s time with the Boston Bruins was highlighted by several memorable moments. On May 19, 2021, he scored the Game 3 double overtime winner against the Washington Capitals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. This goal was crucial in giving the Bruins a 2–1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup. Smith’s contributions helped the Bruins advance in the playoffs, further establishing his reputation as a clutch performer.
In February 2023, Smith was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he continued to demonstrate his skills. After the 2022–23 season, he signed a one-year contract worth one million dollars with the Dallas Stars for the 2023–24 season. His tenure with the Stars was brief, as he transitioned to the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2024, continuing to adapt to new teams and environments.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Craig Smith became known for his scoring ability and versatility as a forward. He recorded significant points and played pivotal roles in various playoff series. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations, such as his double overtime goal for the Bruins, solidified his status as a key player in the NHL.
Craig Smith Award Nominations
Craig Smith’s career in the NHL has been marked by numerous achievements and contributions to his teams, though specific award nominations are not detailed in the available information.
Craig Smith Awards Won
Throughout his career, Craig Smith has achieved significant milestones, including being named to the USHL First All-Star Team during his junior career. However, specific awards won during his NHL career are not detailed in the available information.
Craig Smith Family
Details about Craig Smith’s family are not publicly available, and there is no verifiable information regarding his parents or siblings.
Personal Life
Craig Smith has shared that he began playing hockey at the age of three, indicating a lifelong passion for the sport. In a 2009 interview, he mentioned his favorite school subject as math, his favorite video game as Mario Kart, his favorite TV show as Friends, and his favorite music artist as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These personal insights reflect his interests outside of hockey, though further details about his personal life remain private.
