Craig Smith isn't one of those players that get much attention from prospects magazines and he flies under the radar in a lot of the Nashville Predators sites. But he was one of if not the best players on the U.S. World Championship team that was eliminated by the home favorite Czech Republic team 4-0 today in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Smith, a native of Madison WI, was drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. In 2009-2010 he played alongside hometown Hobey Baker Trophy winner Blake Geoffrion in Wisconsin, notching 33 points in 41 games.

In the 2011 IIHF World Championship Smith notched 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in 7 games on the line with Derek Stepan and Blake Wheeler. He had 2 goals and 1 assist on the power play. On Versus, after the U.S. loss, soon to be restricted free agent Zach Parise praised the young Center saying that this is very good news for the Nashville Predators. One can only hope that the success can eventually extend to the NHL level where he can meet back with linemate Geoffrion and get started where they left off.