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

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 Nashville Predators in the NHL. He is known for his role as a forward in professional hockey.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Named to Minnesota Vikings All-State High School Team

During the 2013 season, Cole Smith helped the Brainerd Warriors finish with a 12–1 record. Smith 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: Graduated Brainerd High School and selected in USHL Draft

In 2014, Cole Smith graduated from Brainerd High School. He also won the triple jump in the Wayzata Invitational 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: Played college hockey for North Dakota Fighting Hawks

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

2017: Key player for the Fighting Hawks

During the 2017-18 season, Cole Smith became a key player for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

2018: Admirals qualify for Calder Cup playoffs

On April 16, 2022 Cole Smith scored his 20th goal of the season, and second in the game, 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 the Nashville Predators

On March 19, 2020, Cole Smith concluded his collegiate career and 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 re-assigned to the Florida Everblades, the ECHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators, where he played five games.

July 15, 2021: Signed contract extension with Predators

On July 15, 2021, the Predators signed Cole Smith to a one-year, two-way contract extension, valued at $750,000 at the NHL level and $70,000 at the AHL level.

2021: Re-assigned to Milwaukee Admirals

In 2021, Cole Smith was re-assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals, the new AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators, prior to the start of the 2021–22 season.