In a post on X, the Vancouver Canucks announced that they've agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with 2022 Winter Olympian Nate Smith. Financial details of Smith's contract were not disclosed.
Smith, 25, spent the entire 2023-24 season in the American Hockey League with the Tucson Roadrunners, who were the affiliate of the now-dissolved Arizona Coyotes and now for Utah. In 60 games, Smith had 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists), 38 penalty minutes and was a minus-four.
In 2022, the Tampa Bay native was named to the United States' roster for the Winter Olympics in China and put up two points (one goal, one assist) in four games.
It'll be interesting to see how Smith performs in training camp with Vancouver in September. If he's able to prove himself and impress Rick Tocchet and the coaching staff, then it wouldn't be shocking to see him earn a roster spot on opening night in October, but if now, he'll be Abbotsford bound at least to start the 2024-25 campaign.
