A summer's hard work taught life lessons for Craig Smith | NHLPA.com(Photo Credits: NHLPA.com)

By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

The Boston Bruins announced the team has come to terms with free-agent and former Nashville Predators forward Craig Smith to a three-year contract. The deal comes with an annual NHL cap hit of $3.1 million.

At 6-foot-1 and 208 lbs, the Madison, Wisconsin native Smith adds some needed size upfront. The 31-year-old has skated 69 games with the Predators in the 2019-2020 season. He notched 18 goals with 13 assists for 31 points and has a plus-18 rating.

In the last five of his nine seasons with the NHL, Smith has reached the 20-goal mark. He has played 661 career NHL games in Nashville, with a total of 162 goals and 168 assists for 330 points with a plus-67 rating.  He leads the Preds in games played, second in goals, and third in points.

The signing looks to be a valuable one for the Bruins, especially at three years for $3.1 million.  Smith looks to be a good solid forward as he scored 14  five-on-five goals last season on the third line.