C.J. Smith

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Image of Player C.J. Smith

Player Information

Connor Jeffrey Smith is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played under contract with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Smith grew up playing hockey in Des Moines before moving with his family to Minnesota when he was 14. He made an impact in college hockey and signed with the Buffalo Sabres as an undrafted free agent, where he showcased his talent in the NHL and AHL.
Birthdate:
1 December 1994
Full Name:
Connor Jeffrey Smith
Birthplace:
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Nationality:
American
Gender:
Male
Height (cm):
180
Weight (kg):
84
Career Started:
2017
Current Team:
Charlotte Checkers
Previous Teams:
Buffalo Sabres (From 2017, To 2021), Carolina Hurricanes (From 2021, To 2022), JYP Jyväskylä (From 2022), Barys Astana (From 2024)
Player Active:
From - 2017, To - Present

C.J. Smith Bio

Connor Jeffrey Smith is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played under contract with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Smith grew up playing hockey in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving with his family to Minnesota when he was 14. He made an impact in college hockey and signed with the Buffalo Sabres as an undrafted free agent, where he showcased his talent in the NHL and AHL.

Early Life and Background

Connor Jeffrey Smith was born on December 1, 1994, in Des Moines, Iowa. He began playing hockey at a young age, developing his skills in local leagues. At the age of 14, Smith’s family relocated to Minnesota, where he continued to pursue his passion for the sport. His early exposure to competitive hockey laid the foundation for his future career. Smith played for various youth teams, honing his skills and preparing for a collegiate career.

Path to Hockey

Smith played college hockey for the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Hockey East for three seasons while majoring in chemistry. In his freshman season, he made a significant impact, leading the team with 16 goals and 19 assists, earning him a spot on the All Hockey East Rookie Team. His performance continued to improve, and he was recognized as the River Hawks Rookie of the Year. In his sophomore year, he was named to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team and won the River Hawks leading scorer award. By his junior year, Smith was a semi-finalist for the Walter Brown Award, recognizing him as one of the best American-born college hockey players in New England.

C.J. Smith Career

Early Career (2017–Present)

Connor Jeffrey Smith began his professional career in 2017 after signing with the Buffalo Sabres as an undrafted free agent. He made his NHL debut on April 2, 2017, against the New York Islanders, where he recorded his first NHL point with an assist. During his rookie season, he played primarily with the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, where he was selected for the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic. In the following seasons, Smith continued to develop his skills and contribute to his teams.

Breakthrough (2017–2022)

Smith’s breakthrough moment came during the 2018–19 season when he scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils. After spending five seasons with the Sabres organization, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2021. Smith’s time with the Hurricanes was brief, as he later signed with the New York Rangers before moving to JYP Jyväskylä in Finland’s Liiga for the 2023 season. In June 2024, he transitioned to the Kontinental Hockey League, joining Barys Astana. However, after a short stint, he returned to North America and signed with the Charlotte Checkers in January 2025.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Connor Jeffrey Smith has made significant contributions to his teams, showcasing his skills as a forward. His journey from college hockey to the NHL and AHL highlights his dedication and talent in the sport. Smith’s recognition as an AHL All-Star and his various contracts with professional teams illustrate his impact in the hockey community.

C.J. Smith Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Connor Jeffrey Smith has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his college hockey years, where he earned several accolades for his contributions to the UMass Lowell River Hawks.

C.J. Smith Awards Won

Connor Jeffrey Smith has achieved notable milestones, including being named to the All Hockey East Rookie Team and receiving the River Hawks Rookie of the Year award during his collegiate career. His recognition as an AHL All-Star further underscores his contributions to professional hockey.

C.J. Smith Family

Information regarding Connor Jeffrey Smith’s family is not publicly available. He has maintained a level of privacy concerning his personal life, focusing primarily on his professional career.

Personal Life

Details about Connor Jeffrey Smith’s personal life, including relationships or children, are not publicly documented. He has chosen to keep his private life separate from his professional endeavors.