Smithson posted six points in 69 games played for the Panthers this past season. Smithson has double-digit point potential, but the checking forward should be reserved for only the deepest of leagues.
Smithson has scored exactly 13 points in each of the past three seasons, so you know exactly what you're getting with this guy. Smithson plays an important role for the Preds as a checking-line forward, and was third in average shorthanded ice time per game last season (2:44). He won't help very many fantasy leaguers outside of ultra-deep formats.
Smithson gives the Preds a solid fourth-line option every season. Unfortunately, you know exactly what you're going to get with him, which is roughly 15 points, 50 PIM, and a +/- rating hovering somewhere around minus-5. If this somehow makes him valuable in your fantasy league, then draft away.
Smithson is a penalty killing forward and face-off specialist. He is not known for his offensive game, although his seven goals and nine assists were career highs last season. Smithson will take on the same role again in 2008-09 and do the dirty work that severely mutes his fantasy hockey value.
Smithson is a penalty killing forward and face-off specialist. He ranked second on the club last season in face-off winning percentage at 56.4 percent. Smithson is not known for his offensive game, but he is a role player with virtually no fantasy hockey value.
The big-bodied Smithson will likely get some playing time with the Predators this season, but his talents are more the "role-player" type than the offensive type.
Smithson set career highs with 11 goals and 92 PIMs for AHL Milwaukee during the lockout. He'll probably get a chance to break those marks, as he figures to stay an Admiral for most or all of the season.
