Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators Ink Cole Smith to Two-Year Extension

by
Nick Morgan
January 24, 2024

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Cole Smith to a two-year contract extension worth $2 million, the team announced Wednesday.

Preds announce they’ve signed Cole Smith to a two-year contract extension worth $2 million.
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) January 24, 2024

Smith, who was set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, is in the midst of his best season with the Predators. With 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists) in 46 games this season, Smith needs just two more points to pass the career-high total he set across 69 games last season.

The extension is a good reward for Smith, whose game has vastly improved from this point last season. Smith has become one of the Predators’ better defensive forwards, and has cemented himself as a reliable bottom-six piece Andrew Brunette can count on.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed Cole Smith to a two-year extension with an AAV of $1M. That's pretty fair deal for both sides in our eyes. Cole Smith is pretty solid defensive bottom-six forward. pic.twitter.com/MtuT2ngZLY
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) January 24, 2024

Smith’s signing is the first move in what should be a busy stretch for General Manager Barry Trotz. The Predators still have eight pending unrestricted free agents on the active roster, including Tyson Barrie, Alexandre Carrier, Yakov Trenin, Tommy Novak, Kevin Lankinen, Denis Gurianov, Kiefer Sherwood, and Michael McCarron.

Nick Morgan

Nick is a features writer covering the Nashville Predators and the NHL for Penalty Box Radio. A Nashville native, Nick has been following the Preds since their inaugural season, and has covered the team for various outlets since 2012. You can also listen to his coverage daily on the Locked On Predators Podcast, which he co-hosts with The Hockey News's Ann Kimmel.

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