Cole Smith

February 2023 – The Predators have announced that Cole Smith has been signed to a one-year, 775k AAV extension. The 27-year-old winger has two goals and 11 points in 42 games for the Predators this season. Smith has struggled to drive offense in the bottom six for the Predators but has been reliable defensively (1.92 GA/60, ranked sixth for Predators forwards), which has allowed John Hynes to trust him as a lineup regular. Curtis Rines

October 2022 – What a rise for Cole Smith. After a 41-point season in the AHL, he has made the 2022-23 opening night roster. The 26-year-old will start on the fourth line alongside Cody Glass and Eeli Tolvanen. With a handful of players fighting to take his spot, he will have a lot to prove to John Hynes to become a regular player in the Predators’ forward core. Curtis Rines

June 2022 – Smith improved in all facets of his game in his second AHL season. His goal total jumped from five to 21 (0.217 goals per game to 0.35 goals per game), and his point total went from ten to 41 (0.435 points per game to 0.695 points per game). He still will never be anything more than a bottom-six player at the NHL level, but he has shown the ability to score at the professional level, and that will be crucial to continue earning opportunities with the Predators. Curtis Rines

August 2021 – In his first pro season, Smith played at all three levels, including an NHL debut with the Preds. Look for him to begin in the AHL this season as a top-six player with an opportunity to be a name near the top of the list for an injury call-up. Curtis Rines