Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cole Smith (ice hockey)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2026

How Cole Smith (ice hockey) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cole Smith is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing left wing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. He is known for his role as a left winger within the team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Named to All-State High School Team

During the 2013 season, Cole Smith helped the Brainerd Warriors finish with a 12–1 record and was named to the Minnesota Vikings All-State High School Team, All-Section and All-Conference teams, and the Warriors Defensive Player of the Year.

2014: Graduation and Draft Selection

In 2014, Cole Smith graduated from Brainerd High School and was selected in the 10th round of the United States Hockey League Draft by the Sioux Falls Stampede.

2014: Joined Steinbach Pistons

In 2014, after being cut from the Sioux Falls Stampede, Cole Smith joined the Steinbach Pistons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

2016: First Collegiate Goal

In 2016, Cole Smith began playing college hockey for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at the University of North Dakota. On October 15, he scored his first collegiate goal against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

2016: Committed to University of North Dakota

In March 2016, Cole Smith committed to join the University of North Dakota (UND) for the 2016–17 season after visiting the school.

2017: Key Player for Fighting Hawks

During the 2017-18 season, Cole Smith became a key player for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, leading the team in plus-minus rating over the final six games of November.

2018: Admirals Qualify for Calder Cup Playoffs

On April 16, 2022, Cole Smith scored his 20th goal of the season to help the Milwaukee Admirals qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2018–19 season.

March 19, 2020: Signed with Nashville Predators

On March 19, 2020, Cole Smith signed a one-year contract with the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

December 2020: Assigned to Florida Everblades

In December 2020, Cole Smith was assigned to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, where he played five games before being recalled to the Predators' training camp.

2020: Concluded Collegiate Career

In 2020, Cole Smith concluded his college hockey career at the University of North Dakota, where he had been majoring in kinesiology.

July 15, 2021: Signed Contract Extension

On July 15, 2021, the Predators signed Cole Smith to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

2021: Assigned to Milwaukee Admirals

Prior to the start of the 2021–22 season, Cole Smith was reassigned to the Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators' new AHL affiliate.

July 14, 2022: Signed Contract Extension with Predators

On July 14, 2022, Cole Smith signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Predators.

2022: Began Season on Predators Roster

Cole Smith began the 2022-23 season on the Predators opening night roster for the first time in his professional career.

January 21, 2023: First Career NHL Goal

On January 21, 2023, Cole Smith scored his first career NHL goal in his 49th NHL game, helping the Predators win 5-3 over the Los Angeles Kings.

December 21, 2023: First Career Short Handed Goal

On December 21, 2023, Cole Smith scored his first career short handed goal against the Philadelphia Flyers.

March 3, 2026: Traded to Vegas Golden Knights

On March 3, 2026, Cole Smith was traded by the Predators to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round draft pick.