Craig Smith
Born (1989-09-05) September 5, 1989 (age 34)
Madison, Wisconsin
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)
Position Right wing / Center
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams
Dallas Stars
Nashville Predators
KalPa
Boston Bruins
Washington Capitals
National team  United States
NHL draft 98th overall, 2009
Nashville Predators
Playing career 2011–present

Craig Smith (born September 5, 1989) is an American professional ice hockey right winger and center for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals of the NHL, and KalPa of SM-Liiga. The Predators selected Smith in the fourth round, 98th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Early life

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Smith was born September 5, 1989, in Madison, Wisconsin,[1] to construction worker Kevin and homemaker Dawn.[2]

Playing career

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Amateur

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  • Badgers 2009-10

At the end of the season, Smith and Badgers teammate Justin Schultz were both named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team.[3]

  • Badgers 2010-11

Professional

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Nashville Predators (2011–2020)

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  • 2011-12

With the 2012–13 NHL season delayed due to a labor lockout, many players signed short-term contracts with European hockey leagues.[4] Smith joined KalPa of the Finnish SM-liiga, opening his tenure with a four-point game. After eight games abroad, during which he recorded four goals and eight points, Smith terminated his European contract and returned home to train in Madison.[5]

  • 2012-13 (KalPa / lockout)
  • 2013-14
  • 2014-15
  • 2015-16
  • 2016-17
  • 2018-19
  • 2019-20

Boston Bruins (2020-2023)

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  • 2020-21
  • 2021-22
  • 2022-23

Washington Capitals (2023)

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On February 23, 2023, the Bruins traded Smith to the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway. Washington also received a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, a third-round pick in 2024, and a second-round pick in 2025.[6] The trade was a reunion for Smith and Laviolette, who was now coaching the Capitals.

  • 2022-23

Dallas Stars (2023–present)

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As a free agent, Smith signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1, 2023.[7]

  • 2023-24

International career

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  • 2008 WJAC
  • 2009 WJAC
  • 2011 WC
  • 2012 WC
  • 2013 WC
  • 2014 WC

Personal life

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Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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International

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Awards and honors

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Award Year Ref.
College
All-WCHA Rookie Team 2009–10 [3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Craig Smith Stats and News". National Hockey League. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  2. ^ Shinzawa, Fluto (December 22, 2020). "Consistent Craig Smith: Dependability the hallmark of new Bruins right wing". The Athletic. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Six Badgers honored by WCHA". Wisconsin Badgers. March 18, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  4. ^ Carrera, Katie (September 17, 2012). "NHL players seeking alternatives as lockout threatens season". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  5. ^ Brehm, Mike (October 29, 2012). "Eller, Wheeler head to Europe; Craig Smith coming back". USA Today. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  6. ^ "Caps Trade Orlov and Hathaway to Boston for Three Picks and Smith". National Hockey League. Washington Capitals. February 23, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  7. ^ "Smith signs 1-year, $1 million contract with Stars". National Hockey League. July 1, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
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