Part of Predators' core, Smith excited for future

Nashville Predators center Craig Smith (right) controls the puck in front of Minnesota Wild right wing Jason Pominville during the second period.

On Monday, the Nashville Predators made official what has started to become clear over the last few years. Locking up forward Craig Smith to a five-year, $21.25 million contract, the club spotlighted the winger's position at the team's core for both the foreseeable and long-term future.