The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Cole Smith on a three-year contract ($3 million salary cap hit). The contract will begin in the 2026-27 season and will run through the 2028-29 season.
Smith, 30, split the 2025-26 campaign between the Nashville Predators and Vegas Golden Knights, compiling 12 points (8G, 4A) in 63 regular-season games. He ranked third among all Nashville skaters with 119 hits, marking his fourth-straight season with 100+ hits. Smith also appeared in 22 postseason games with Vegas, recording six points (3G, 3A), including the game-winning goal in Game 4 of the second round against Colorado. Additionally, he ranked second in the NHL with 100 hits during the playoff run.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound forward has totaled 64 points (25G, 39A) in 292 career regular-season contests with the Predators and Golden Knights. He’s made two career trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying six points (3G, 3A) in 27 postseason games. Smith has also amassed 51 points (26G, 25A) in 82 regular-season games split between the Chicago Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL). Additionally, he has registered three points (1G, 2A) in five games with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.
The native of Brainerd, Minn., was originally signed by Nashville as an undrafted free agent on March 19, 2020.
