Predators sign forward Craig Smith to 5-year, $21.25 million deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Predators have avoided arbitration with Craig Smith by signing the forward to a $21.25 million, five-year contract.

General manager David Poile announced the deal with the restricted free agent on Monday.

Poile called Smith an integral part of the Predators' young core, and the general manager says they are pleased they were able to come to a long-term agreement.

Smith, 25, has scored at least 20 goals in two straight seasons. He had five points in six games in Nashville's first-round playoff loss to Chicago.

A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Smith has 144 points in 277 career games with Nashville. The 98th overall pick in the 2009 draft has played for the United States in four World Championships since 2011.