Craig Smith Bio
Craig Smith is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 5, 1989, in Madison, Wisconsin, Smith was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round, 98th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Over his distinguished career, he also played for the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. Smith announced his retirement from professional hockey on December 8, 2025, concluding a career that spanned 14 NHL seasons and included numerous memorable moments across multiple franchises.
Early Life and Background
Craig Smith began playing hockey at the age of three in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. He attended La Follette High School, where he played for head coach Jeff Weum and quickly established himself as a talented forward. Smith led the team in scoring as a freshman, demonstrating the goal-scoring ability that would define his career. His impressive high school performance caught the attention of scouts from the United States Hockey League (USHL), and during his junior year of high school, he was selected by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL Draft.
Smith played three seasons with the Waterloo Black Hawks from 2006 to 2009. In 157 regular season games, he recorded 49 goals and 68 assists for 117 points. His outstanding 2008-09 season earned him a spot on the USHL First All-Star Team, solidifying his reputation as one of the top prospects in American junior hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his successful USHL career, Smith attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played two seasons (2009-10 and 2010-11) for the Wisconsin Badgers men’s ice hockey team. He served as team captain during the 2010-11 season, demonstrating leadership qualities that would serve him well throughout his professional career. In 82 regular season games with the Badgers, Smith accumulated 27 goals and 49 assists for 76 points.
While at Wisconsin, Smith also represented the United States at the 2011 IIHF World Championship, gaining valuable international experience against the world’s top players. His consistent collegiate performance and international exposure made him an attractive prospect for NHL teams, culminating in his selection by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Craig Smith Career
Early Career (2011-2012)
Smith made his NHL debut on October 7, 2011, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In his very first shift, he scored his first NHL goal against goaltender Steve Mason, announcing his arrival in professional hockey in dramatic fashion. The Madison native’s instant success with the Predators validated the organization’s faith in selecting him in the fourth round.
During the 2012-13 season, Smith spent time with the Predators’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, appearing in four games. He also played for KalPa of the Finnish SM-liiga during the 2012 NHL Lockout, maintaining his competitive edge and developing his game in a European league.
Nashville Predators Era (2012-2020)
Smith established himself as a reliable scoring threat during his 10 seasons with the Nashville Predators from 2012 to 2020. He became known for his consistency, work ethic, and ability to contribute offensively in various situations. His time in Nashville saw him emerge as a fan favorite and a key component of the Predators’ forward corps.
Following the 2014-15 season, Smith became a restricted free agent. On July 5, 2015, he filed for salary arbitration with the Predators. Before his scheduled arbitration hearing on July 20, Smith and the Predators agreed to a new five-year, $21.25 million contract, securing his future with the franchise. This long-term commitment reflected both his value to the team and the organization’s confidence in his abilities.
After nine seasons with Nashville, Smith informed the Predators on September 29, 2020, that he would not sign a new contract and would pursue opportunities elsewhere as a free agent. His departure marked the end of a significant chapter in his career.
Boston Bruins Era (2020-2023)
On October 10, 2020, Smith signed a three-year, $9.3 million contract with the Boston Bruins. His time in Boston would include some of the most memorable moments of his career. On May 19, 2021, Smith scored the Game 3 double-overtime winner against the Washington Capitals, giving the Bruins a 2-1 series lead in their first-round playoff series. The goal came after Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov misplayed the puck behind the net, and Smith capitalized on the opportunity. The Bruins went on to win the series in five games.
Smith played two and a half seasons with the Bruins before his tenure in Boston came to an end. On February 23, 2023, he was traded to the Washington Capitals along with three draft picks in exchange for Garnet Hathaway and Dmitry Orlov.
Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars (2023-2024)
Following the 2022-23 season, Smith entered free agency again and signed a one-year contract worth $1 million with the Dallas Stars on the first day of free agency in July 2023. He played the 2023-24 season with Dallas before once more testing the free agent market.
Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings (2024-2025)
Smith signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1, 2024, joining the Original Six franchise for the remainder of his career. On March 7, 2025, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings along with goaltender Petr Mrázek in exchange for Joe Veleno. Prior to the trade, Smith recorded nine goals and seven assists in 40 games with the Blackhawks during the 2024-25 season.
After going unsigned through the 2025 offseason and the first two months of the 2025-26 season, Smith announced his retirement from professional hockey on December 8, 2025, concluding his 14-year NHL career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his consistent goal-scoring ability and reliable two-way play. A right-shot forward, he demonstrated versatility at multiple forward positions and contributed in various offensive situations. His work ethic and competitive nature made him a valuable presence in every locker room he joined.
Notable Events and Milestones
Smith’s most celebrated moment came during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs when his double-overtime goal in Game 3 against the Washington Capitals propelled the Boston Bruins to a series victory. His NHL debut goal against Steve Mason on October 7, 2011, also stands as a memorable start to his professional career. Over 14 NHL seasons, Smith played in well over 900 career games, accumulating hundreds of goals and points across his six franchises.
Craig Smith Career Highlights
Craig Smith built a durable and productive 14-season NHL career, playing for six different franchises and accumulating significant offensive numbers. His consistency and longevity in professional hockey demonstrated his adaptability and sustained performance at the highest level of the sport.
College and Junior Highlights
Before reaching the NHL, Smith established himself as an elite prospect through his outstanding junior and college careers. His 117 points in 157 USHL games with the Waterloo Black Hawks showcased his offensive potential, earning him USHL First All-Star Team honors in 2008-09. At the University of Wisconsin, his 76 points in two seasons and leadership as team captain during his senior year further demonstrated his ability to excel at high levels of competition.
International Competition
Smith represented the United States at the 2011 IIHF World Championship, gaining valuable experience on the international stage. This opportunity allowed him to compete against the world’s best players and further develop his skills before beginning his professional career.
Craig Smith Family
Family Background
Craig Smith grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age, beginning to play at just three years old. His Midwestern roots and upbringing contributed to his development as a player and his connection to Wisconsin hockey.
Personal Life
During a 2009 interview with Wisconsin athletics, Smith shared that his favorite school subject was math, his favorite video game was Mario Kart, his favorite television show was Friends, and his favorite music artist was the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These personal insights offered fans a glimpse into the personality behind the player during his time as a Wisconsin Badger.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season marked the final chapter of Craig Smith’s distinguished NHL career. Splitting time between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, Smith continued to contribute offensively when called upon. His nine goals and seven assists in 40 games with Chicago before the trade demonstrated he remained a capable scoring threat in the twilight of his career.
The trade to Detroit in March 2025 reunited Smith with a new organization as he sought to make a final impact in professional hockey. Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Smith went unsigned through the 2025 offseason and the early portion of the 2025-26 campaign, ultimately deciding to retire. On December 8, 2025, he announced his retirement, concluding a 14-year NHL career that spanned over 900 games and six franchises. Smith’s career exemplified longevity, adaptability, and consistent production at the professional level.