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Stars sign winger Smith for one year

*Photo from the Washington Post*
   Texas is loading up on some forward depth. The Dallas Stars and RW Craig Smith have agreed to a one year, $1 million contract, according to NHL Network's David Pagnotta. The Stars have confirmed the signing.

   Smith's contract is a low risk signing, being on a cheap cap hit and only for one year. $200,000 of the contract is a signing bonus, which brings his salary down to $800,000 but keeps the cap hit at $1 million. He'll be able to test free agency again at the end of next season.

   Debuting in the 2011-2012 season, Smith has played for 3 different teams over 12 seasons in the league. In that time, he has racked up 200 goals and 214 assists for 414 total points, averaging 14:33 of ice time with a +95 rating in 853 regular season games. Smith also has 9 goals and 12 assists in 69 career playoff games.

   Dallas GM Jim Nill said of bringing on Smith that "Craig brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our group. He's a player we've been familiar with over the years, especially during his time in Nashville, and we're looking forward to having him join our team."

   Last season, Smith played for both the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. He tallied 9 goals and 7 assists for 16 points, playing in 64 games and posting a +5 rating while averaging 11:00 of ice time per game in his 12th season.

   Smith was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft and debuted a few years later. He played for the Predators until the start of the short 2021 season, when he signed with the Bruins. He was then traded to the Capitals last season just before the trade deadline, where he spent the rest of the season.

   The Stars have brought in Smith and Matt Duchene to compliment a core featuring Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Joe Pavelski, with Jake Oettinger manning the goal.

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