Nashville Predators Sign Forward to 2-Year Extension

The Nashville Predators have obviously liked what they've seen this season from unheralded bottom-six winger Cole Smith, announcing today that the team has signed him to a two-year, $2 million contract that will begin in the 2024-25 season.

The #Preds have signed forward Cole Smith to a two-year, $2 million contract that will begin in the 2024-25 season.https://t.co/VtAIbLp60G

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 24, 2024

Smith was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, after playing out his minimum salary contract of $775,000 this year. At $1 million AAV, it's a nice little raise for him, and a good deal for the Predators as well. 

The 28-year-old defensive forward has been a boon to the Preds' penalty killing unit, leading all forwards in ice time on the PK, while adding a shorthanded goal and two assists as well. 

In addition, Smith has established a career-high in goals thus far through 46 games (5), and is well on pace to top his previous highs in assists and points as well (currently with 11 assists and 16 points). 

The hard-hitting 6'3", 195-pounder is also 12th in the NHL in hits with 118. He had a robust 198 hits in 69 games last season. 

Smith went undrafted and was signed as a free agent by the Preds in 2020. He has been with the Nashville organization for four seasons, this being his second full year with the big club. With the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals two seasons ago, he potted 21 goals and had 41 points in 59 games. 

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports