Defender who played over 600 NHL games, winning a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013. Known for his physical play and versatility on the blue line.
Brendan Smith is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, known for his defensive prowess and adaptability on the ice, having played both as a defenseman and forward in the National Hockey League (NHL). With a storied career spanning over a decade, Smith has made a significant impact on the sport.
Born on February 8, 1989, Smith began his hockey journey with the St. Michael's Buzzers in the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League. In his second season with the Buzzers, he led all defensemen in points with 36, earning himself a spot in the CJAHL All-Star Game in 2006.
Smith's exceptional performance at the junior level earned him a selection to play for Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge in 2006, where he helped his team secure a silver medal.
Smith went on to play three seasons for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, before signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings on May 27, 2010. He made his NHL debut on November 17, 2011, against the San Jose Sharks.
Smith's breakthrough season came in 2012-2013, when he scored his first NHL goal against Josh Harding of the Minnesota Wild at the Joe Louis Arena. He appeared in 34 games for Detroit during the lockout-shortened season, and scored his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal on May 6, 2013, during Game 4 of Detroit's Western Conference quarterfinal series against the Anaheim Ducks.
On July 16, 2013, the Detroit Red Wings resigned Smith to a two-year, $2.525 million contract. Two years later, on June 30, 2015, the Red Wings resigned him to a two-year, $5.5 million contract.
In the final year of his contract, Smith was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and a second-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on February 28, 2017.
Throughout his career, Smith has been an inspiration to young hockey players, showcasing his dedication, perseverance, and adaptability on the ice. His ability to play both as a defenseman and forward has made him a valuable asset to his teams, and his contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on modern hockey.
Smith's approach to the game is centered around hard work, discipline, and teamwork. He believes in the importance of continually improving one's skills and being prepared to adapt to new situations, both on and off the ice.
Through his career, Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to his craft, earning the respect of his peers, coaches, and fans alike. His unwavering dedication to the sport has made him a role model for aspiring hockey players, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
41 Years Old
A talented defenseman who played in the NHL for 14 seasons, known for his physical play and scoring ability from the blue line.
38 Years Old
Scored over 400 NHL goals, including a record-breaking 30 goals in a single season, and won two Stanley Cup championships. A prolific goal-scorer with incredible speed and agility.
40 Years Old
Center for the St. Louis Blues, contributing to the team's Stanley Cup championship in 2019 with his skilled playmaking and face-off expertise. A consistent and reliable NHL player.
37 Years Old
American professional ice hockey left winger playing in the NHL, known for his scoring prowess and Olympic appearances.
42 Years Old
Professional ice hockey forward who played in the NHL for 12 seasons, known for his scoring ability and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
35 Years Old
Center and alternate captain in the NHL, known for his skilled playmaking and goal-scoring abilities.
32 Years Old
A talented defenseman in the NHL, known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability, helping the Toronto Maple Leafs reach the playoffs consistently.
35 Years Old
Defender who played in the NHL for over a decade, known for his smooth skating and puck-moving abilities. He's a reliable top-four defenseman on a playoff team.