Dalton Smith Bio
Dalton Smith (born June 30, 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL). Smith was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2nd round (34th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his left wing position and left-handed shooting, Smith has built a career that spans over a decade in professional hockey, showcasing his skills across multiple teams in the AHL and NHL.
Early Life and Background
Dalton Smith was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a region with a rich hockey culture, Smith was exposed to the sport at a young age. His early involvement in hockey included playing for local teams, where he developed his skills and passion for the game. Smith’s dedication to hockey led him to join the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played four seasons from 2008 to 2012. During his time with the 67’s, he scored 50 goals and 55 assists for a total of 105 points while accumulating 328 penalty minutes over 196 games.
Path to Hockey
After a successful junior career, Dalton Smith was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team on August 8, 2011. His journey in professional hockey began with the Blue Jackets, but he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in March 2014. Following this trade, Smith played for the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, before moving on to various teams in the AHL and ECHL, including the Providence Bruins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Charlotte Checkers, Florida Everblades, and Rochester Americans. His persistence and performance in the AHL eventually led to his long-awaited NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres on December 31, 2019.
Dalton Smith Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Dalton Smith began his professional career in 2012 after being drafted. He played for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate and made significant strides in his development. His early career was marked by a trade to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he continued to hone his skills in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch. During this time, he established himself as a reliable player, contributing to his teams both offensively and defensively.
Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Dalton Smith’s breakthrough moment came during the 2019–20 season when he signed a two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres. His NHL debut was a significant milestone, showcasing his perseverance and dedication to the sport. After his time with the Sabres, Smith returned to the Rochester Americans, where he continued to make an impact. In July 2021, he signed with the Colorado Eagles, where he enjoyed a productive season, collecting 5 goals and 11 points in 52 regular-season games. In June 2022, he extended his contract with the Eagles for two more years. Recently, on October 15, 2024, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Hershey Bears, aiming to contribute to the team’s success.
Notable Works and Milestones
Dalton Smith’s career has been marked by his ability to adapt and succeed in various roles across multiple teams. His NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres was a highlight of his career, and he has consistently been a valuable player in the AHL, known for his scoring ability and physical play.
Dalton Smith Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Dalton Smith has not received any notable award nominations. However, his contributions to his teams and the sport of hockey have been recognized by fans and peers alike.
Dalton Smith Awards Won
Dalton Smith has not won any major awards during his career. His focus has been on developing his skills and contributing to his teams rather than accumulating individual accolades.
Dalton Smith Family
Dalton Smith has a younger brother named Blake, who also plays professional ice hockey. The Smith family has a strong connection to the sport, with both brothers pursuing careers in hockey.
Personal Life
Details about Dalton Smith’s personal life remain private, as he tends to keep his off-ice life away from the public eye. His dedication to hockey and his family remains a priority as he continues his professional journey.