Casey DeSmith Bio
Casey DeSmith is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a goaltender for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 13, 1991, in Rochester, New Hampshire, DeSmith has built his career on perseverance, beginning with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers in 2015 and advancing through the American Hockey League to earn an extended NHL role. Known for his sharp reflexes and calm net presence, he once set a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins record for the most saves in a playoff game.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 188 pounds, DeSmith catches left and is regarded as undersized for a goaltender, yet he has consistently outperformed expectations. He was named to the AHL’s 2016–17 All-Rookie Team and shared the 2017 Harry ‘Hap’ Holmes Memorial Award after the league’s best goals-against average. His journey from an undrafted college goaltender to a key NHL contributor reflects dedication and steady improvement.
Early Life and Background
Casey DeSmith was born and raised in Rochester, New Hampshire, where he developed an early love for hockey. He played junior hockey in the NEPSAC league for Berwick Academy from 2006 to 2008, followed by a single season with Deerfield Academy. These prep school years helped him sharpen his goaltending fundamentals against strong regional competition.
After Deerfield, DeSmith joined the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League, where he played 64 regular season games and posted a 0.911 save percentage, a 2.80 goals-against average, and three shutouts. This performance drew the attention of college recruiters and set the stage for his move into NCAA hockey.
DeSmith studied business at the University of New Hampshire, where he played for the Wildcats from 2011 to 2014. In his first season, he compiled a 9–10–1 record and earned his first college shutout on January 11, 2011. He finished that year with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, recording 30 or more saves on ten occasions and earning Hockey East Rookie of the Week honors. He was later named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team at the end of the 2011–12 season.
Path to Hockey
DeSmith’s college career ended abruptly after his arrest in September 2014, which led to his suspension and eventual dismissal from the University of New Hampshire team. He accepted a plea bargain on December 4, 2014, pleaded not guilty to all charges except a single count of disorderly conduct, and was sentenced to a fine and probation. He completed the terms of his agreement and avoided further trouble.
Seeking to continue playing, DeSmith applied for a transfer waiver, but the NCAA denied his request. With his college eligibility effectively closed, he turned professional and signed with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, the affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, on June 30, 2015.
He appeared in 13 games for Wheeling’s 2015–16 Eastern Conference championship team, recording a 5–2–2 mark, a 2.55 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage. He was loaned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL on January 3, 2016, where he posted his first AHL win against the Hartford Wolf Pack and later set the franchise record with 59 saves in a playoff game against Providence.
Casey DeSmith Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
After his strong showing in Wheeling and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, DeSmith signed an AHL contract directly with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on July 5, 2016. During the 2016–17 season, he appeared in 29 games and finished the regular season at the top of the AHL with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. He started all five playoff games after partner Tristan Jarry was called up to Pittsburgh.
He and Jarry ended the season as the AHL’s top goaltending tandem and shared the 2017 Harry ‘Hap’ Holmes Memorial Award. DeSmith was also voted to the AHL’s 2016–17 All-Rookie Team alongside Jake Guentzel, and he later served as a ‘Black Ace’ during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2017 Stanley Cup run.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2017–2023)
On July 1, 2017, DeSmith signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He made his NHL debut on October 29, 2017, against the Winnipeg Jets, becoming the first member of the 2015–16 Wheeling Eastern Conference championship team to reach the NHL. He earned his first NHL start and first NHL win on January 18, 2018, stopping 28 of 29 shots in a 3–1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, and recorded his first NHL shutout on April 6, 2018.
During the 2018–19 season, DeSmith settled into the backup role and was rewarded with a three-year, $3.75 million contract extension on January 11, 2019. He split the 2019–20 season between the AHL and NHL before becoming a permanent part of Pittsburgh’s rotation after Matt Murray was traded in 2020. He posted an 11–7–0 record with a .912 save percentage in 2020–21 and an 11–6–5 mark with a .914 save percentage the following season.
DeSmith stepped into the spotlight during the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs when an injury to Tristan Jarry elevated him to the starter’s role. In Game 1 against the New York Rangers, he made 48 saves on 51 shots through regulation and two periods of overtime before core muscle surgery ended his postseason. Pittsburgh re-signed him to a two-year, $3.6 million contract on July 5, 2022.
Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars Era (2023–Present)
On August 6, 2023, DeSmith was traded to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a three-team deal involving the San Jose Sharks. Less than six weeks later, on September 19, 2023, he was traded again, this time to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Tanner Pearson and a 2025 third-round pick. He played the 2023–24 season with the Canucks before reaching free agency.
On July 1, 2024, DeSmith signed a three-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Stars, where he continues to serve as a dependable goaltending option. His move to Dallas marked a fresh chapter with a contending Western Conference team and extended his NHL career into a new conference.
Driving Style and Strengths
DeSmith is recognized for his quick lateral movement, efficient tracking of the puck through screens, and composed play under heavy shot volume. His partnership with various goaltending coaches throughout the AHL and NHL has emphasized positioning and rebound control. He has repeatedly proven capable of carrying a heavy workload when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
DeSmith holds the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins franchise record for most saves in a playoff game after stopping 59 shots against the Providence Bruins in 2016. He also recorded 48 saves in his first NHL playoff start against the New York Rangers in 2022, a performance that highlighted his resilience before injury cut his postseason short.
Casey DeSmith Career Wins
Across his professional career in the ECHL, AHL, and NHL, Casey DeSmith has accumulated wins at every level he has played. His AHL success with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton included a league-best goals-against average during the 2016–17 season, while his NHL wins came primarily during stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and later the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Highlights
DeSmith’s AHL tenure was defined by sharp numbers and big performances. He posted a 2.01 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage in 2016–17, and he set the franchise record for saves in a playoff game with 59 against Providence. He shared the Harry ‘Hap’ Holmes Memorial Award with Tristan Jarry that same season.
NHL and Other Performances
In the NHL, DeSmith earned his first victory with the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 18, 2018, against the Los Angeles Kings. He added playoff experience during Pittsburgh’s 2022 run and has continued to contribute in relief and starting roles with the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars.
Casey DeSmith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Casey DeSmith was raised in Rochester, New Hampshire, where his early hockey development took place. Public information about his immediate family remains limited.
Personal Life
DeSmith is a devout Christian. Outside of hockey, he has largely kept his personal life private, focusing public attention on his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Casey DeSmith continues his role with the Dallas Stars under the three-year contract signed on July 1, 2024. His veteran presence provides depth behind the Stars’ starting goaltender and stability throughout the regular season grind.
DeSmith’s track record of stepping into high-pressure situations, including his 48-save performance against the New York Rangers in 2022, offers the Stars a reliable option whenever he is called upon. His AHL pedigree and NHL experience position him well for meaningful contributions throughout the year.
As Dallas pursues a deep playoff run, DeSmith’s steady play and playoff experience could prove valuable. His continued health and consistency will be key storylines to watch as the season unfolds.
