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Canucks 2020 free agent targets: Forward Craig Smith

By Alex Hoegler

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Craig Smith #15 of the Nashville Predators during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Vancouver Canucks may need to add some more offence in free agency. Veteran forward Craig Smith would be a worthwhile addition.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning stands to lose a couple of impact players in free agency this year, and he’s going to have to be creative in replacing them.

Trade deadline acquisition Tyler Toffoli proved to be an excellent fit in the top-six with Brock Boeser sidelined. The 2014 Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings had six goals and 10 points in just 10 games for his new team.

Unfortunately, cap woes will most likely prevent the Canucks from retaining Toffoli. They’ll look to work out a new contract with top goalie Jacob Markstrom, and Benning will have to keep at least one of Chris Tanev (a pending UFA) and Troy Stecher (RFA).

If the Canucks lose Toffoli, Benning would have to try to find an affordable replacement. There will especially be a major void to fill if Micheal Ferland‘s unfortunate concussion woes keep him out of the lineup long-term.

One potential target in free agency? Nashville Predators forward Craig Smith.

The 30-year-old has been a steady secondary scorer during his nine NHL seasons, all with the Preds. Smith had 18 goals and 31 points prior to the 2019-20 season pause. He has hit the 20-goal mark five times and 50 points twice.

Smith owns a superb 53.6 Corsi For Percentage (it was at 55.4 percent this season prior to the suspension). He’s also fairly defensively sound, with 350 career takeaways compared to 317 giveaways.

The Madison, Wisconsin native can play up and down the lineup. The Canucks could play him at centre or on the wing (the latter would be more likely). And with 48 career postseason games on his resume, Smith would provide much-needed leadership to a young and playoff-deprived Vancouver team.

Smith will be 31 years of age next season, so he shouldn’t command too much in free agency. Something comparable to the Ferland deal (four years, $14 million) seems fair, although a three-year term would be more ideal for the Canucks.

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This isn’t to say that Vancouver must target Smith in free agency, but if Benning has enough cap space, it doesn’t hurt to try. You can never have enough scoring depth, and Smith’s consistent production would make him an excellent fit up front for the Canucks.

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