Photo credit: Chicago Sun-Times
A long-time NHL forward with nearly 1,000 games under his belt could be a potential free agent target for the Vancouver Canucks as we inch closer to training camp.
The offseason in the National Hockey League has gone by quite quickly as tomorrow will mark the first day of August, meaning we’re getting closer and closer to puck drop this fall.
Like many teams around the National Hockey League, the Vancouver Canucks aren’t done adding to their roster yet and have some holes they’d like to fill before the club takes to the ice for the start of training camp in Abbotsford in mid-September.”It may be mid-summer, but #Canucks management isn’t “off to the cottage” just yet.
Hear the club is monitoring a couple of the UFA options still on the market. No surprise given their recent history.” Thomas Drance of The Athletic said.
As Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks continue to search for some more forward help, another interesting name with plenty of expereince at the NHL level has emerged as a potential option this summer.
14-year NHL veteran could be potential bottom-six fit for the Vancouver Canucks
There’s no question that the Vancouver Canucks would like to add another centerman to the fold, with someone who can play on the second line their ideal target, but with the cost still quite high, they may need to settle for a depth option instead.
Whether that comes through someone like Jack Roslovic, who they’ve been in talks with, or a veteran they could bring to camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO), there are still a number of intriguing players available on the free agent market and one of them is Craig Smith.
Smith, a fourth round pick of Nashville back in 2009, has gone on to suit up in 987 career games in the NHL with the aforementioned Predators, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
While Smith certainly isn’t the same player he was at the peak of his career, the five-time 20+ goal scorer could come in and play a bottom-six role for the Canucks while bringing a veteran presence and leadership to the dressing room, something the club needed in a big way last season after the Elias Pettersson–J.T. Miller drama.
As of July 31st, it’s unclear what the future holds for Craig Smith and if he’s wanting to remain in the National Hockey League, but if he does, he could be a decent depth piece on a low-risk contract (one-year, league minimum) for Adam Foote and the Vancouver Canucks.
Previously on CanucksDaily
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Vancouver Canucks Are the Answer for Veteran NHL Forward Desperate for a Contract
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