Preds' Goalie Prospect Smith Showing Maturity In Minors
News:Jeremy Smith has been impressing the coaching staff so far this season at AHL Milwaukee, reports the Tennessean.
Analysis: "Jeremy Smith is just a pro, we've raved about him from the start," according to Admirals coach Dean Evason. "He has been a pro right from training camp and showed his leadership qualities to us and his position." In eight games, Smith is just 2-6-0, so he's been on the losing end more often then not. However he also sports a respectable 2.28 GAA and .909 save percentage. Despite all the praise from his coach, he is unlikely to suit up in the NHL this season unless the Preds' leading goalie tandem of Pekka Rinne and/or Chris Mason gets bitten by the injury bug.
News:Jeremy Smith signed a one-year deal with the Predators on Tuesday, the Predators' official site reports.
Analysis:Jeremy Smith spend the last couple of years on the Predators, and looks to continue with the team. Smith has spent most of his career in the AHL, where he has achieved a .922 save percentage in his 56 contests last season. If Chris Mason or Pekka Rinne suffer injuries, Smith could be called up to the team.
News:Jeremy Smith was recalled from AHL Milwaukee to take the place of Anders Lindback (upper body) in practice Monday, the Tennessean reports.
Analysis: With Lindback expected back at practice Tuesday, Jeremy Smith won't even have time for a cup of coffee before heading back to the minors. Nevertheless, Smith put up very decent numbers for the Admirals this season, including a 29-19-1 record, 2.25 GAA and .920 save percentage. With numbers like that, he could wind up in the NHL sooner rather than later. Keep an eye on him.
News: The Predators recalled Jeremy Smith on Friday, The Tennessean reports.
Analysis: With Anders Lindback heading to Milwaukee in a corresponding move, Jeremy Smith will serve as the backup goaltender behind Pekka Rinne for the time being. Smith has had a stellar season with AHL Milwaukee, posting 16 wins and a 2.30 GAA in 25 games. Despite the strong numbers, Smith will see spot action at best and likely head back to Milwaukee at some point. However, having yet to appear in an NHL game, don't be surprised to see Smith make his debut while with the big club.
News:Jeremy Smith has been reassigned to AHL Milwaukee, the Predators' official site reports.
Analysis: If Jeremy Smith comes close to replicating the peripheral numbers (2.26 goals-against average; .921 save percentage) he posted in 28 games with Milwaukee last season, the Predators should be quite comfortable with the former second-round pick. In the meantime, he should be a solid insurance policy should injuries befall Pekka Rinne or backup goalie, Anders Lindback.
News: The Nashville Predators signed G Jeremy Smith, their second-round pick in the 2007 draft, to an entry-level contract on Wednesday.
Analysis: Smith was among the Ontario Hockey League leaders in save percentage and shutouts in his second full season with the Plymouth Whalers. As a rookie in 2006-07, Smith helped lead Plymouth to the OHL Championship and shared the Dave Pinkney Trophy for the best team goals-against average. He has some value in keeper formats for now, but it might take him a couple of seasons before he establishes a spot on the Preds roster.
