The Predators placed Craig Smith on Injured Reserve yesterday. Smith was a late scratch in Tuesday’s contest against Dallas.
Smith has 29 points this season (16 goals, 13 assists). Tyler Gaudet was recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals but was a healthy scratch on Thursday. Smith has been a mainstay in the Nashville lineup for the last few seasons. His speed is noticeable but his consistency is his greatest weakness.
While many Predators fans tend to focus on the team’s need for additional scoring, losing Smith is not ideal for the Predators.