987 game NHL veteran remains without a home after 19-game stint with Detroit last season
Photo credit: Ap/Matt Slocum
In a failed attempt at a playoff push, the Detroit Red Wings acquired Craig Smith in a trade for Joe Veleno, who was sent to the Chicago Blackhawks, and since Steve Yzerman didn't extend him, we wonder where his next home in the league will be?
Craig Smith used to be a top forward in the NHL, but that was back in the 2010s, and on very good Nashville Predators teams.
Since then, as a veteran, he's had to become a journeyman in the league to find work, and his last two teams were the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
The 14-year NHL veteran made $1 million AAV last season, in a deal with the Blackhawks.
After his 19-game stint in Detroit, he'd only posted 2 points, and would play a total of 59 games last season, scoring only 18 points (9-9).
Is A PTO In The Future For Craig Smith?
The 987 game NHL veteran is on the verge of having to sign a PTO in order to play in the next season, or worse, consider signing a deal in the AHL to work his way back up the ranks.
He's been a solid bottom-six player in the latter part of his career and has plenty of playoff experience in the NHL, but we wonder if he was the right fit in Detroit.
Either way, it seems that Smith's time in the NHL could be at an end, should he find it difficult to sign a new contract with a team in the league.
Rebuilding teams could use him as a veteran presence in the lineup.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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