Former Piston Cole Smith signs NHL deal with Chicago

Cole Smith, who played two seasons with the Steinbach Pistons, is continuing his journey at the highest level of professional hockey.

Smith signed a three-year, 9$ million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on the first day of NHL free agency.

After leaving the Pistons, Smith joined the University of North Dakota, signing as an undrafted free agent with Nashville in the 2020 season.

After a couple years mostly playing in the American Hockey League, Smith nabbed a full-time spot on the Predators’ roster in the 2022/2023 season.

He was moved to the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline this season, nabbing six points for his new team on their playoff run to the Stanley Cup final alongside Oakbank’s Brett Howden.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said Smith’s signing July 1 alongside picking up defenseman Ian Cole on a one-year deal gave his team some veteran presence as they try to build around budding superstar Connor Bedard.

“There’s too many Coles here,” Davidson quipped during a press conference after the signings, drawing laughter from the assembled media.

“Smith provides a great deal of physicality, some size, some speed and both play special teams on the penalty kill… You watch the playoffs and he was a bit of a wrecking ball.”

Smith’s newest contract, signed as a 30-year-old, is his biggest NHL deal by far. Nashville gave the Brainerd, Minnistota product a $1 million/year contract in 2024.