The Nashville Predators announced today that they have re-signed forward Cole Smith to a two year deal.
One of Nashville's upcoming UFAs is off the market.
Forward Cole Smith inked a two year, $2 million deal to stay in Nashville. The 28-year-old has played 46 games this season for the Predators and scored a career high five goals. Smith has proven to be a reliable depth player in Nashville and an important voice in the locker room.
"He's a really big part of our team," head coach Andrew Brunette said after practice this morning. "I'm really happy for him. He deserves it. It's a great story, and hopefully it's just a step of many more coming up."
Smith has worked hard to make his way into the NHL. After playing at the University of North Dakota, he briefly played in the ECHL before making his NHL debut on January 14, 2021 with the Predators against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Smith played less than six minutes in his first NHL game. During the COVID affected season, Smith played for the Chicago Wolves. In his 23 games with the Wolves, Smith scored five goals and ten points. The Predators signed him to a one year deal on March 19, 2020.
In 2021-2022, Smith played 59 games with the Milwaukee Admirals. He scored 21 goals and 41 points. He rejoined the Predators for eight games that season before becoming a regular part of the Predators lineup in 2022-2023.
While Smith may not be one of Nashville's most prolific offensive players, his contributions on the ice are game changing.
"His tenacity and hunting pucks really helps guys like me and Vange [Luke Evangelista]," Tommy Novak said of Smith's game.
"You just get so many pucks back. He's so hard on the forecheck, a really disruptive player, and creates a lot of turnovers," Novak said.
"We're really happy for him. He works really hard," Evangelista said. "He's a great guy to be around, the kind of guy you want to be teammates with."
"It's not an easy role," Evangelista said of Smith's play. "He hits anything that moves. He's first on pucks. He forechecks and backchecks like a maniac out there. He plays a really important role on this team."
After practice Wednesday, Smith took a lap around the ice while his teammates provided thunderous stick taps to celebrate his new deal.
"It's special, especially in front of all the guys," Smith said of that moment.
When asked what made him want to re-sign with the Predators, Smith was clear that this is where he wants to be.
"I love the people. I love the fans and especially the guys in here in this locker room and the coaches," Smith said.
"Nashville just kind of feels like home. I'm extremely happy to be here for another two years."