Evening Notes: Smith, Blue Jackets, Protas
By Bradley Keith | March 3, 2026, 8:28 pm
Fresh off a recent move involving Michael McCarron, Nashville’s roster has another pending free agent possibly set to depart. Forward Cole Smith logged a brief three-second shift in tonight’s game against Columbus, briefly exiting for the locker room before returning to the bench, still not seeing ice time. Insider Frank Seravalli reports that Tampa Bay is showing interest.
The undrafted 30-year-old has become a fixture on Nashville’s fourth line over the last four seasons, totaling 230 games and 62 points. Standing 6’3”, he’s a tireless penalty-killing winger who could fetch late-round draft assets if moved. A high-character player from Minnesota, he would be a loss for Nashville’s depth, but the Predators’ strategy of monetizing depth pieces while preserving their core stars gives them a shot at the playoffs, even as they may need to retool their short-handed unit.
Around the league today:
- The Blue Jackets entered action with two important players sidelined: captain Boone Jenner and star Zach Werenski were inactive, according to team reporter Jeff Svoboda. The absence isn’t tied to any foul play or controversy. Werenski is reportedly ill, and Jenner is listed as day-to-day for maintenance, per a team statement. Both could return as early as Thursday when Columbus hosts Florida, continuing their postseason push. Kent Johnson, who had recently been scratched, rejoined the lineup.
- Separately, Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas sat out tonight for personal reasons, per Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. The 25-year-old has appeared in 59 games this season, chalking up 42 points and recently hitting the 20-goal milestone. Washington remains near the playoff cutoff and is slated to play at Boston on Saturday, with Protas expected back if the personal matter is resolved in time.
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