Center Jerred Smithson checks Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman in a game earlier this season (Getty Images)

SUNRISE, Fla. ­ Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that Florida has acquired C Jerred Smithson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft previously acquired from Dallas.

“Jerred is a hard working, responsible, veteran player who plays well at both ends of the ice,” said Tallon. “He is a very good penalty killer, who has consistently ranked among his team’s leaders in face-off win percentage.”

Smithson, 33, has played in 526 career National Hockey League games for Los Angeles (2002-04) and Nashville (2005-12) recording 89 points (36-53-89) and owns a career face-off win percentage greater than 55%. This season, he ranked second among all Predators in face-off win percentage (55.6%), while placing third in hits (98). The Vernon, British Columbia native has played in 31 playoff games, all with Nashville, registering three points (2-1-3) and 37 PIM.

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