"We are excited to acquire Nate," said Armstrong. "He is a very skilled two-way center who is relentless and competes hard every night. We are very happy to acquire his rights and look forward to him joining the Coyotes organization."
The 23-year-old Smith has registered 18-31-49 with 39 penalty minutes (PIM) in 34 games this season with Minnesota State (NCAA). He currently shares the team lead in assists and points and is tied for second in goals. In his third season with the Mavericks, Smith was selected as the CCHA's Forward of the Year.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward set collegiate career highs in goals, points, shots (92) and game-winning goals (3) in 2021-22. A native of Hudson, FL, Smith has totaled 36-65-101 in 97 career games with Minnesota State. He helped the Mavericks secure a berth in the upcoming 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Originally drafted by the Jets in the third round (91st overall) in 2018, Smith represented Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics where he collected 1-1-2 in four games.
Little has played in 843 NHL games from 2007-2020 with the Winnipeg Jets franchise, including four seasons when they were the Atlanta Thrashers, recording 217-304-521 and 293 penalty minutes. His last NHL appearance came on Nov. 5, 2019 against the New Jersey Devils. Little's current contract runs through the 2023-24 season.
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