Free agent NHL veteran of 14 years remains without a home just 35 days until the regular season
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With training camp nearly a month away, former Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks forward Craig Smith may have to accept a PTO in order to find a spot in the NHL.
Free agency has wound down significantly since it began on July 1st.
All of the players who found homes right away won't have to go through the struggles this former Red Wing will go through.
At 35, Smith's time in the NHL may be limited as a bottom-six forward, or outside of the league as a whole.
His performance in Detroit didn't put his name on the radar of many general managers, and that may explain why he's without a contract with nearly a month to go before training camp begins.
When it comes down to the wire, for aging veterans, they'll have to shift their game and find a new role to play in the lineup.
In his prime, Smith was a goal-scoring forward, and he has since found a home as a journeyman in the NHL.
Craig Smith remaining without a home despite solid showing in 2024-25 NHL season
The forward would play 40 games for the Blackhawks and score 16 points (9-7), Kyle Davidson would ship him to Detroit for Joe Veleno.
Goalie Petr Mrazek would hitch along for the ride as part of the package, with the hopes that Mrazek would improve the crease, while Smith would perform as expected.
The veteran goalie would be later be involved in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks with draft picks in exchange for John Gibson during the offseason.
While Steve Yzerman didn't see a fit for Smith and the team, and let him walk, he has yet to sign a deal this offseason.
Will he sign a PTO, or have to look overseas for a job?
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 1 | 181 ANSWERS Free agent NHL veteran of 14 years remains without a home just 35 days until the regular season Do you think forward Craig Smith, a former Detroit Red Wing, will sign a PTO in the NHL or head overseas? | ||
| PTO | 63 | 34.8 % |
| Overseas | 118 | 65.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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