Heading into the hearing, Smith asked for $4.75 million in arbitration while the Predators countered with a $3 million request. The agreed-upon deal falls somewhat in the middle of those numbers (averaging 4.25 million per season), so it has to be considered a win for both sides.

In a released statement, Predators GM David Poile stated that “Craig Smith is an integral part of our team’s young core and we are pleased to have agreed on a long-term contract that both parties are comfortable with. With Craig’s durability, work ethic and intensity, we see him continuing to build on his recent production and be a valuable contributor to our offensive attack for the next five seasons.”

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