The Syracuse Crunch announced today that they have signed center Nathan Smith to a one-year, American Hockey League contract.
Smith, 29, spent last season playing for Augsberg of the German Elite League, where he appeared in 52 games and recorded 16 points (4g, 12a) and 42 penalty minutes.
Smith has skated in 472 career AHL games with Manitoba, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Lake Erie and Houston, totaling 86 goals and 119 assists for 205 points along with 487 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 26 career NHL contests with Vancouver, Pittsburgh and Minnesota, going scoreless with 14 penalty minutes.
A native of Strathcona, Alta., Smith’s best professional season came in 2007-08 as a member of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins when he finished third on the team in scoring with 50 points (22g, 28a) in 68 games while serving as team captain. He also contributed 18 points (7g, 11a) in 22 playoff games, helping his club reach the Calder Cup Finals.
Smith was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, 23rd overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
