Chicago Blackhawks sign 14-year tough as nails NHL veteran Craig Smith

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the signing of a 14-year NHL veteran, Craig Smith, to a one-year contract worth $1 million, according to Elliotte Friedman.

Craig Smith has played for Nashville, Boston, Dallas and many other organizations at the NHL level, at 34 years old he is now considered the most experienced player on the Blackhawks roster, a strong leadership-signing by general manager Kyle Davidson.

Last season, Smith put up 20 points in 75 games on a very stacked Dallas Stars teams' fourth line, this year- with the Blackhawks, he will have a much better opportunity for many more minutes.

A signing of a player like Smith was crucial for the Blackhawks throughout this free-agency period, with one of the youngest rosters in the NHL, they need veterans like Smith to guide them on and off the ice, as they tried with Corey Perry last season- but we all know how that went.

Keep refreshing Hawksinsider.com, the best outlet for free agency signings!