Givani Smith Bio
Givani Smith (born February 27, 1998) is a Canadian-Jamaican professional ice hockey right winger who is currently playing with the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 214 pounds, Smith has built a reputation as a hard-working power forward known for his physical style of play. He was selected 46th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and has since suited up for several organizations across the league.
Early Life and Background
Givani Smith was born on February 27, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a hockey family in the Greater Toronto Area, where the sport is a central part of the local culture. His Jamaican heritage, inherited from his parents, has given him a unique background among professional hockey players, most of whom come from traditional Canadian or European pipelines.
Smith is the younger brother of fellow professional hockey player Gemel Smith, who has also appeared in the National Hockey League. Growing up alongside an older sibling who pursued the same dream helped shape Givani’s competitive drive and his understanding of what it takes to reach the highest level. The two brothers have often been cited as a source of motivation for one another throughout their careers.
Path to Professional Hockey
Before turning professional, Smith played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of the premier development circuits in North America. In 236 games split between the Barrie Colts, Guelph Storm, and Kitchener Rangers, he recorded 73 goals, 62 assists, and 411 penalty minutes. His physical presence and willingness to drop the gloves quickly made him a notable figure in the junior ranks.
Smith led the OHL in penalty minutes during both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, reinforcing his identity as an enforcer-style forward. His junior production and toughness caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was ultimately selected 46th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After completing his final OHL season, he transitioned to the professional ranks with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL during the 2018-19 campaign.
Givani Smith Career
Early Career (2018-2019)
Smith began his professional career with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League during the 2018-19 season. In 64 games as a rookie, he posted six goals and seven assists while continuing to play a physical brand of hockey. His steady development with the Griffins established him as a prospect on the rise within the Detroit organization.
On October 25, 2019, Smith received his first NHL recall from the Detroit Red Wings. He made his NHL debut that same night against the Buffalo Sabres, logging 11 minutes and 1 second of ice time and registering two shots on goal and one hit. After a brief stint with the parent club, he was returned to the Griffins before being recalled again in late December 2019.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2019-2022)
During the 2019-20 season, Smith split time between Detroit and Grand Rapids. On January 14, 2020, he scored his first career NHL goal, beating goaltender Thomas Greiss of the New York Islanders. The milestone came during his first extended look with the Red Wings and signaled his offensive potential at the top level. He continued to bounce between the AHL and NHL, recording goals and assists in limited minutes with Detroit.
On December 19, 2022, the Red Wings traded Smith to the Florida Panthers in exchange for defenseman Michael Del Zotto. At the time of the trade, he had appeared in two games for Detroit and posted two goals and three assists in 19 AHL games during the 2022-23 season. The move marked the end of his tenure with the organization that had originally drafted him.
Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks Era (2022-2024)
Smith’s time with the Florida Panthers organization was brief, as he departed as a free agent on July 1, 2023. He was then signed by the San Jose Sharks to a two-year contract worth $1.6 million. With the Sharks, he earned a regular role on the roster and made 36 appearances during the 2023-24 season.
On November 16, 2023, Smith scored his first goal for the Sharks against the St. Louis Blues, becoming the 300th player in franchise history to record a goal for San Jose. He matched a season-best of three assists during his time with the club, demonstrating a more well-rounded offensive game. His combination of physicality and scoring touch made him a valuable bottom-six contributor in northern California.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2024-2025)
The 2024-25 season began with Smith serving primarily as a healthy scratch for the Sharks. After appearing in just six games through the first quarter of the campaign, he was placed on waivers on December 8, 2024. Upon clearing waivers, San Jose included him in a multi-player trade to the Colorado Avalanche on December 9, 2024, as part of a deal centered on goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
Smith made his Avalanche debut the following day in a fourth-line role, helping Colorado to a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He went scoreless through seven games with the Avalanche before being reassigned to AHL affiliate the Colorado Eagles on December 28, 2024. He remained with the Eagles until the NHL trade deadline.
Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes Era (2025-Present)
On March 7, 2025, Smith was dealt by the Avalanche to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for veteran defenseman Erik Johnson. He was immediately assigned to continue his season in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. As a free agent following the season, he went unsigned through the summer of 2025.
Approaching the 2025-26 campaign, Smith accepted a professional tryout invitation from the Carolina Hurricanes on August 28, 2025. After a successful tryout, he was signed to a one-year contract worth $775,000. He is currently assigned to the Chicago Wolves, the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, while remaining under contract to Carolina.
Givani Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Smith is of Jamaican descent, a heritage he has proudly represented on the ice. He has played internationally for Jamaica in the Amerigol LATAM Cup, a tournament that provides opportunities for players from non-traditional hockey nations. His multicultural background has made him a notable figure in the ongoing effort to diversify the sport of hockey.
Personal Life
Givani Smith is the younger brother of Gemel Smith, who is also a professional ice hockey player with NHL experience. The two brothers share a passion for the game and have supported one another throughout their respective careers. Details about Smith’s personal relationships, marital status, and children are not publicly confirmed at this time.
2025 Season Performance
Smith’s 2024-25 season was defined by movement between organizations and leagues. He opened the year with the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in December 2024 and then to the Philadelphia Flyers at the March 2025 trade deadline. He spent significant time with AHL affiliates, including the Colorado Eagles and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, while logging limited NHL appearances.
Despite the limited offensive output at the NHL level during the season, Smith’s physical presence and veteran experience continued to draw interest from teams in need of bottom-six depth. His steady penalty-killing and faceoff work made him a reliable option for coaches in specialized roles. The constant movement also reflected the business side of professional hockey, where players of his profile often transition between rosters throughout a single campaign.
Entering the 2025-26 season, Smith’s path back to the NHL came through a professional tryout with the Carolina Hurricanes in late August 2025. After earning a one-year contract, he was assigned to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL to begin the year. With Carolina’s depth chart offering a clear development pipeline, Smith will look to use the AHL season as a springboard back to consistent NHL minutes. His combination of size, physicality, and experience makes him a candidate to be recalled if injuries or performance warrant a roster move.