Wisconsin's Craig Smith could be Predators' next star

Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz has given rookie center Craig Smith a promise and a challenge regarding his expectations to play in the NHL this season.

"I do believe he will play games for us this season," Trotz said. "I just don't know whether it will be two, 22, 42, 62 or 82."

As a general rule, the Predators do prefer to start their players' pro careers with a tour of duty in the American Hockey League. But if there is a rookie capable of changing the program, it might be the former University of Wisconsin standout Smith who drew strong reviews for his performance against NHL opponents while playing for Team USA last spring at the World Championships in Slovakia.

"He opened up a lot of eyes there," said Nashville assistant general manager Paul Fenton. "More importantly, he opened up his own eyes."

Smith, 21, originally planned to return to Wisconsin for his junior season, but changed his mind after registering three goals and three assists in seven games in Slovakia. He was the only American to net three goals in the tournament.

"He's a guy who carries himself like a pro and thinks like a pro in terms of how he plays the game," Trotz said. "Our message was clear to him: I told him whatever decision he made about college was the right decision."

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Another reason Smith may have a shot at grabbing a roster spot is that the Predators are looking for scorers. They were tied for 11th in goals out of 15 Western Conference teams, and Niclas Bergfors has been their only forward acquisition of the summer.

"It will be Craig who determines, by the way he plays, whether he is ready or not," Fenton said.

The Predators are one of the NHL's youngest teams, and rookies Jonathon Blum and Blake Geoffrion are already on the roster. Plus, rookies Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi probably will compete for a roster spot. Swedish rookie Mattias Ekholm also could make a bid for a defensive spot. The Predators are comfortable giving younger players a chance.

Fenton said the one area where Smith can improve is "getting his pace up." The Predators want him to work on his first couple of strides, which are crucial for a scorer.

Smith had 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 41 games for Wisconsin last season.

"I think he plays a more mature game," Trotz said. "So he may have even more success than he had in college."