It always made too much sense.
Craig Smith was hitting the market after a nice run with the Nashville Predators, and the Boston Bruins needed cost-effective help in the middle six.
Saturday morning they made that a reality, with the Bruins signing Smith to a three-year deal that carries a manageable $3.1 million cap hit annually.
Smith was a third of a borderline elite Predators third line this past season, and he figures to fit into a similar role with Charlie Coyle in Boston.
The 31-year-old right winger had 18 goals with 31 assists in 69 games this past season. He recorded a career-high 25 goals in the 2017-18 campaign.
Smith also is a seasoned postseason performer, playing in 52 playoff games over his career, registering seven goals with 16 assists.
