Jerred Smithson News

Smithson is centering the Maple Leafs fourth line at this morning's practice.

The Maple Leafs signed Smithson to a one-year contract on Wednesday promoting him from the Toronto Marlies. With Tyler Bozak and Dave Bolland out with injuries, the door has opened for Smithson to play an important role for Toronto. The 34-year-old has 588 games of NHL experience.

SUNRISE, Fla. ­ Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that Florida has acquired C Jerred Smithson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft previously acquired from Dallas.

In Smithson, the Panthers add a player they know can play the bottom two lines. He scored a goal and five points in 53 games with the Preds.

In terms of tonight’s game against the Wild, the Predators will likely be without defenseman Francis Bouillon and forward Jerred Smithson. Both are nursing “upper body” injuries. Coach Barry Trotz said both are close to being healthy, but he wanted to give them a little more time to make sure they were 100 percent.

Smithson should get back into the lineup shortly. He has a goal and five points through 44 games as the team's fourth line center.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 19, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club claimed forward Brandon Yip on waivers from the Colorado Avalanche and activated forward Jerred Smithson from injured reserve.

Smithson was sidelined since January 7th but appears healthy enough to play tonight. He has a goal and four points over 41 games.