From all of the pictures I have seen, he has a habit of sticking his tongue out.

Never bad to sign a handsome player, right? Although Craig Smith agreed to return to the University of Wisconsin about two weeks ago, it seems he has changed his mind and will join with the Nashville Predators after all. Smith was a little hesitant after visiting Nashville during the Predators annual Development Camp, but former teammates like Blake Geoffrion may have helped sway his decision. Here is a press released by Wisconsin:

“With two years of collegiate eligibility remaining for the Wisconsin Badgers, forward Craig Smith will become a professional hockey player. The Madison, Wis., native is a 2009 fourth-round pick (98th overall) of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, the team of former Badgers Ryan Suter and Blake Geoffrion.”

Although he would be returning to the University of Wisconsin as a Junior, Craig Smith is definitely a formidable hockey player for his age and even represented Team USA at the World Championship in Slovakia.

It is strange for the Predators to pull a player straight from the college level to NHL level without first making a pit-stop for a few seasons in Milwaukee, but the Predators and fans who have followed this prospect know of his potential, along with others such as Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi. However, if the Predators feel he is worthy of NHL ice time, then let’s give the boy a chance, shall we?