News - Golden Knights Secure Veteran Smith in Strategic Trade

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening their lineup, the Vegas Golden Knights have acquired seasoned forward Cole Smith from the Nashville Predators. The deal, finalized on Tuesday, involved Vegas trading defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a valuable third-round pick for the 2028 draft. Smith, who turned 30 this year, was notably withdrawn from play during the first period of Nashville’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after a brief, three-second stint on the ice. Throughout his six-year tenure in the NHL, the accomplished forward has been a mainstay in Nashville, amassing a career total of 62 points with 23 goals and 39 assists over 271 games. So far this season, Smith has contributed 10 points and leads with 119 hits in 42 appearances, highlighting his utility and experience. His departure signifies a significant reshuffling for the Predators who, ahead of the imminent trade deadline, also moved forward Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild. This latest transaction added another valuable draft pick, bringing Nashville’s stockpile to five picks in the first three rounds of the 2028 draft. Smith is nearing the end of his current two-year, $2 million contract and enters the Las Vegas roster as a pending free agent, with his acquisition poised to bolster the Golden Knights' strategic positioning. As they lead the Pacific Division standings by a narrow margin over Anaheim, Vegas views Smith's integration as a timely reinforcement in their seasonal campaign.