Vancouver Canucks considering saving NHL career of Detroit Red Wings 14-year veteran free agent
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings and Craig Smith would part ways at the end of the year, as he was an unrestricted free agent and wasn't offered a contract. Now it's being rumored that Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks be the team to revitalize his career.
Craig Smith is a former Detroit Red Wing and Chicago Blackhawks forward.
This year, he would serve as a bottom-six forward in both organizations.
Near the end of the season, he'd be traded to Detroit for Joe Veleno and would have Petr Mrazek attached in the deal.
Smith didn't find a way to make a case to keep him.
Now, the 1,000-game NHL veteran's career could use a jolt from a general manager in the league.
It appears that it could come from the Vancouver Canucks, and Patrik Allvin.
Smith has been linked to the Canucks for a PTO, along with other free agent forwards like Klim Kostin.
Craig Smith's Next Step: a PTO in the Pacific Division?
The Canucks Army website would publish any article by Tyson Cole and examine what unrestricted free agents would be available to the team, as a low-cost, high-reward situation.
He thought Smith could be a perfect PTO candidate for the Canucks, as Smith has played 987 games in the NHL and would bring leadership experience.
The forward may not be the offensive weapon that the Canucks hope for, but could bring plenty of intangibles to the team's lineup.
"At age 35, Craig Smith is a prime candidate for a PTO. He may not be the player he used to be, but Smith still has some juice left in the tank." Cole said.
He added, "However, with such a young bottom-six heading into the 2025-2026 season, a calming veteran presence could be beneficial as the Canucks look to develop their young core."
He added, "However, with such a young bottom-six heading into the 2025-2026 season, a calming veteran presence could be beneficial as the Canucks look to develop their young core."
While the Canucks depth is already fairly secure, Smith might be brought in to foster competition in the lineup.
He'd have to contend with Max Sasson and Arshdeep Bains in training camp.
But, for what they lack in experience, Smith brings.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 4 | 260 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks considering saving NHL career of Detroit Red Wings 14-year veteran free agent Do you think forward Craig Smith will earn a PTO from the Vancouver Canucks? | ||
| Yes | 123 | 47.3 % |
| No | 137 | 52.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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