Veteran defenseman Brendan Smith has actually signed an expert tryout agreement with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the group revealed. The 36-year-old blueliner, who invested the 2024-25 season with the Dallas Stars, now deals with an uphill struggle to protect a lineup area.
Understood for his flexibility and experience, Smith will contend in training school for a depth function on
a currently crowded Columbus defense corps.
[Columbus Blue Jackets include veteran NHL defenseman Brendan Smith on expert tryout agreement for 2025-26 training school lineup fight
Smith, a first-round choice of the Detroit Red Wings in 2007, has actually taken a prolonged NHL profession covering over 700 video games. As soon as a dependable top-four alternative, his function has actually moved over the last few years to that of a seventh defenseman, sometimes even filling out as a fourth-line winger. With Dallas last season, Smith appeared in 32 video games, tape-recording 6 points and a minus-9 score while balancing simply over 13 minutes of ice time.Regardless of his minimal use, Smith brings important NHL experience to Columbus. His capability to supply depth at both defense and forward might assist him make an agreement, though breaking through heaven Jackets’ logjam on the blue line will be tough. Columbus currently has 15 defensemen under agreement, leaving Smith defending an area as an energy alternative.
Brendan Smith’s NHL profession journey and fit in Columbus Blue Jackets 2025-26 lineup strategies
The Ontario native enjoyed his finest seasons with the Red Wings, highlighted by a 19-point project in 2013-14.
He later on hung out with the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and most just recently destiny. While his belongings metrics decreased after leaving Detroit, Smith stayed valued for his competitiveness and determination to adjust to different functions.In Columbus, Smith’s main competitors will be more youthful defensemen like Jake Christiansen, who provides more offending advantage, and just recently signed forward Hudson Fasching, who might press him for a depth forward slot.
Smith’s experience might still provide him an edge in a training school environment, where coaches typically value flexibility.Brendan Smith’s PTO with the Columbus Blue Jackets shows both his decision to extend his NHL profession and the group’s desire for veteran insurance coverage. While the course to an agreement is challenging offered Columbus’ depth, Smith’s versatility and management might make him a helpful addition if he makes an area. His efficiency in training school will eventually choose whether he continues his NHL journey in 2025-26.Check Out: Hudson Fasching signs up with Columbus Blue Jackets on 1 year, two-way agreement to boost bottom-six