The Vegas Golden Knights strengthened their roster on Tuesday by acquiring Cole Smith from the Nashville Predators. In exchange, Vegas sent defenseman Christoffer Sedoff along with a 2028 third-round draft pick to Nashville. This move comes just days before the NHL trade deadline, as the Golden Knights aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Pacific Division.
Cole Smith’s Performance and Contract Details
Smith, 30, has spent his entire six-season NHL career with the Predators, appearing in 271 games and tallying 62 points through 23 goals and 39 assists. This season, he has contributed 10 points, including six goals and four assists, while delivering 119 hits over 42 games. Despite a brief appearance on Tuesday, when he was removed early in a 3-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets after just one three-second shift, Smith remains a physical presence on the ice. He is currently in the final year of a two-year, $2 million deal and will become a pending free agent following the season.
Nashville’s Roster Moves Ahead of Trade Deadline
Tuesday marked a busy day for the Predators beyond the Smith trade. Nashville also traded forward Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. McCarron was scratched from the lineup on Tuesday as part of roster management, allowing Nashville to accumulate five picks within the first three rounds of the 2028 draft. These transactions highlight Nashville’s strategy of building future assets as the trade deadline approaches.
Implications for Vegas and the Pacific Division Race
With the addition of Cole Smith, the Golden Knights add depth to their forward lines during a tightly contested Pacific Division race, where they hold a slim one-point lead over Anaheim as of Wednesday. Smith’s experience and physical style could play a pivotal role as Vegas pushes toward the playoffs, while the Predators focus on reshaping their team with an eye on future draft opportunities.
