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14-Year NHL veteran officially announces his retirement at the age of 36

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Sam Walker
December 8, 2025 (12:40)

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Veteran forward Craig Smith has officially announced his retirement after a 14-year run across multiple NHL clubs, closing out a career that spanned nearly 1,000 games, over 450 points, and a roster of memorable seasons.

Smith wound up his career at age 36, the 98th overall pick from the 2009 draft by the Nashville Predators, where he broke in during the 2011-12 season and recorded 14 goals and 22 assists (36 points) as a rookie.

He later became a regular contributor for Nashville and had his best goal totals in 2017-18 with 25 goals.

Smith kept working even as his role changed, delivering decent depth minutes with stints at the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, and Chicago Blackhawks and finishing with the Detroit Red Wings.

Smith's last contract was a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2024, when the organization also put pen to paper on a deal with fellow veteran Pat Maroon, also on a one-year deal.

Smith bows out after long journeyman run

Fans will remember Smith as a reliable two-way forward who chipped in goals and stood ready when called. He posted 220 goals and 232 assists for 452 points across 987 NHL games.

That kind of longevity matters-most players never touch the 1,000-game mark. Even in his final season, he played 59 games and added 18 points.

He leaves behind a solid legacy of consistency, hard work, and a long career in the league.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

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Several intriguing Chicago Blackhawks are emerging as prime trade candidates

Quinn Hughes responds to trade rumors in the midst of being linked to the Blackhawks

POLL
DECEMBRE 8 \| 69 ANSWERS 14-Year NHL veteran officially announces his retirement at the age of 36 Do you think Craig Smith belongs in conversations among dependable depth forwards over the last 15 years?
Yes	22	31.9 %
No	23	33.3 %
Somewhere in between	22	31.9 %
Need more data	2	2.9 %
List of polls

14-Year NHL veteran officially announces his retirement at the age of 36

Veteran forward Craig Smith has officially announced his retirement after a 14-year run across multiple NHL clubs, closing out a career that spanned nearly 1,000 games, over 450 points, and a roster of memorable seasons.

Smith bows out after long journeyman run

Do you think Craig Smith belongs in conversations among dependable depth forwards over the last 15 years?