Schmidt's Reliable Play Is Key to Golden Knights Defense

Nate Schmidt is a hybrid. Unique and invaluable in his balance.
An elite skater who uses that ability to both defend and create offense, Schmidt is not ordinary at either end of the ice. The 27-year-old led all Golden Knights skaters in ice time last season averaging 22:14 per game while scoring five goals and adding 31 assists. All while he and D partner Brayden McNabb played the hardest minutes on the Golden Knights roster - drawing the opposition's top players every night.
The sixth-year pro has agreed to a six-year and $35.7 million contract extension which kicks in next season. The deal carries an average annual value of $5.95 million.
Schmidt led all Golden Knights in even strength, power play and penalty kill minutes. He increased his ice time season-over-season by the largest margin, 6:45, of any player in the NHL.

Vegas coach Gerard Gallant and assistant coach Ryan McGill transformed Schmidt from a part-time player into one of the most important pieces on a Stanley Cup Final qualifying team. Need a goal? Send Schmidt over the boards. Protecting a lead? Call Schmidt's number.
Again and again, Schmidt was called upon to lead his team regardless of which end of the ice needed tending.
According to Corsica, Schmidt played against the fourth highest quality of competition in the NHL. He also had the highest ratio of defensive zone starts among VGK defenders while playing against the best in terms of quality of competition.
McGill relied on Schmidt even more in the post-season as the Minnesota native averaged a team leading 24:25 in ice time - almost three minutes higher than his closest teammate.
The contract gives Golden Knights GM George McPhee cost certainty in the here and now as well as down the line.
Schmidt would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. McPhee has given himself a clearer picture of what resources he'll have at his disposal on July 1 when free agency opens on potentially one of the deepest classes in years.
Never drafted but signed as a college free agent by McPhee during his tenure as GM of the Washington Capitals, Schmidt has built his game on his ability to skate.
He's fast at top end, has agility and a quick first stride which is key in defending.
Schmidt is currently in Austria training with the Vienna Capitals and is available to return to the Vegas lineup on Nov. 18 in Edmonton against the Oilers.