Craig Smith retires from the NHL
December 09, 2025 | Men's Hockey, NHL Badgers
Forward and 14-year NHL veteran played 987 regular-season games
MADISON, Wis. – On Monday, forward and Badger men's hockey alumnus Craig Smith announced his retirement from the NHL after 14 seasons.
The Madison native played in 987 regular-season games for six different teams, including nine seasons with the Nashville Predators (2011-20), as well as stints with the Boston Bruins (2020-23), Washington Capitals (2022-23), Dallas Stars (2023-24), before splitting his final season with the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings (2024-25).Â
He totaled 220 goals and 232 assists for 452 points across 14 seasons, notching nine goals and 18 points in 59 games in his final season in the league. During his rookie season in 2011-12, he was a participant at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, alongside Badgers Brian Elliott and Ryan Suter.
During his professional hockey career, Smith also was a four-time member of the United States' International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship team from 2011-14, earning a bronze medal in 2013.Â
His 987 games played sit eighth overall in most NHL games played among Badger alumni in the NHL, and his 220 goals rank sixth. The forward's 452 points rank 14th. Â
Before skating for Wisconsin, the forward was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round at No. 98 overall of the 2009 NHL Draft. He came to the Badgers in 2009, tallying eight goals and 33 points in 41 games his freshman year and earning an All-WCHA Rookie Team nod. He also helped the Badgers to the 2010 NCAA Championship Game at Ford Field in Detroit. Smith was named an alternate captain as a sophomore for the 2010-11 campaign, totaling 19 goals and 43 points in 41 games to lead the team in goals. The forward signed with Nashville after his second year with UW.
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