Career Timeline of Nate Schmidt: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Nate Schmidt built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nate Schmidt is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Utah Mammoth in the NHL. Before joining the Mammoth, Schmidt played for several teams, including the Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers. He is known for his skating ability and offensive contributions from the blue line.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Drafted by Fargo Force

In 2007, while a member of St. Cloud Cathedral of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), Nate Schmidt was selected first overall by the Fargo Force in the 2007 United States Hockey League Futures Draft.

2009: Joins Fargo Force

In 2009, Nate Schmidt began playing with the Fargo Force, where he recorded 14 goals and 37 points in 57 games during the 2009–10 season.

2012: Joins Hershey Bears

In 2012, Nate Schmidt played the final eight games of the 2012–13 regular season and five postseason games with the Capitals' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears.

April 2, 2013: Signs with Washington Capitals

On April 2, 2013, as an undrafted player, Nate Schmidt signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals.

October 12, 2013: NHL Debut

On October 12, 2013, Nate Schmidt made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche.

December 7, 2013: First NHL Goal

On December 7, 2013, Nate Schmidt scored his first NHL goal against Marek Mazanec of the Nashville Predators.

December 15, 2013: Reassigned to Hershey Bears

On December 15, 2013, Nate Schmidt was reassigned to Hershey.

2013: Signs with Capitals

In 2013, Nate Schmidt, as an undrafted player, signed with the Washington Capitals after playing for the University of Minnesota.

June 21, 2017: Selected by Vegas Golden Knights

On June 21, 2017, Nate Schmidt was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft after being left exposed by the Washington Capitals.

2017: Claimed by Golden Knights

In 2017, Nate Schmidt was claimed by the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.

2018: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2018, Nate Schmidt helped lead the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup playoffs in their inaugural season, but they lost in the finals to his former team, the Capitals.

2018: Suspension and Contract Extension

In 2018, Nate Schmidt was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug use policy, which was upheld by an arbitrator. While serving his suspension, the Golden Knights signed Schmidt to a six-year, $35.8 million extension on October 25.

October 12, 2020: Traded to Vancouver Canucks

On October 12, 2020, Nate Schmidt was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights to the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

2020: Previous campaign

In 2020, Nate Schmidt was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights to the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

July 27, 2021: Traded to Winnipeg Jets

On July 27, 2021, Nate Schmidt was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a third-round pick in 2022.

November 11, 2021: First Goal of the Season

On November 11, 2021, Nate Schmidt scored his first goal of the season and matched his points total from the entire 2020-21 campaign with 10 points.

December 16, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 16, 2022, Nate Schmidt was placed on long-term injured reserve by the Winnipeg Jets after a hit from Tanner Jeannot. He was expected to miss four-to-six weeks.

2022: Third-round pick

In 2022, Vancouver used the third-round pick from the Golden Knights.

2022: Named to Team USA

In 2022, after the Winnipeg Jets were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, Nate Schmidt was named to Team USA for the 2022 IIHF World Championship.

June 30, 2024: Placed on Waivers

On June 30, 2024, the Winnipeg Jets placed Nate Schmidt on unconditional waivers to buy out the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent after he cleared waivers.