Well, we've officially reached the end of the 2025 draft targets. Today is going to be the last one before the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday. After today, my colleague Jason Newland and I will continue with draft content, however, it will be more geared towards mock drafts and big boards.

With that, let's dive into the last target for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jason Smith the defenseman from the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League.

Scouting Report

2024-25 Team: Tri-City Americans (WHL)

2025-26 Team: Penn State University (NCAA)

2024–25 Stats: 11 G, 43 A, 54 P, 48 PIM

DOB: May. 13, 2007

Position: D

Shoots: Left

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 190 lbs

Smith is an offensive defenseman who could be considered the second-best defenseman in the 2025 NHL Draft. When he has the puck on his stick, it allows his forwards to find open ice. They can rely on him to carry the puck into the neutral zone before snapping a pass to spring his teammates. All the plays with Tri-City tend to go through him when he is on the ice, he gets the most puck touches due to his high hockey IQ and awareness. His ability to read the game and anticipate pressure is one of the main reasons coaches trust him in all situations, even late in close games.

On the defensive side of the puck, Smith does very well. He gets into lanes, he is smart positionally and doesn't give up on puck battles. Thanks to his speed, he can still get involved with any play, whether it's on the rush or the backcheck, he can skate his way back into any play. Overall, Smith is going to be a very good offensive defenseman that will have a large impact on whichever NHL team decides to draft his name.

Blue Jackets Rumors: Rasmus Andersson A Trade Target? With each passing day, more rumors about the Columbus Blue Jackets being involved in trades keep popping up. Two days from the Draft and nothing has changed. 

What the Scouts Are Saying:

Smith’s skating, combined with his handling skill and creativity, often lead to some truly incredible plays. He spins off the forecheck, takes the middle, and launches a cross-ice pass through the next layer for a chance. From the point, he steps in, fakes, explodes across, and walks inside for a chance. With seemingly endless creativity, he pulls pucks through defenders’ legs, cuts off the wall, and capitalizes on backdoor passing lanes as they open. — Elite Prospects, 2025

"He's a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates quite well. He’s funky-looking at times, going 10-2 with his edges a bit too much, but he's a powerful, fluid skater who can easily get by checkers and skate pucks up ice." — Corey Pronman, The Athletic

"Smith’s a big, strong, powerful left-shot defenseman who plays hard and can impact play in a variety of ways. He’s strong through his pushes as a skater, regularly beating the first layer of pressure laterally." — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

"Many consider Smith to be the second-best defensive prospect in the draft. From an overall package standpoint, Smith has so many things going for him. He’s physical, skates so well, and he’s very mobile for a 6-foot-3 defenseman." — Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

"In the offensive zone, Smith is mobile all over the zone. He shows some really impressive passing ability and gets himself into position to take good shots. With no clear-cut second-best defender in the draft, Smith brings all of the tools to present a high upside and a safe floor." — Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News

"The left-shot defenseman has NHL-ready size, skates well enough to be a one-man breakout and can make a smart first pass out of the zone. The 18-year-old has solid offensive skills, and was physical in the defensive zone while playing against other team's top lines." — Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

"With good speed and movement through the neutral zone to lead the rush, Smith (6-3, 195) had 54 points (11 goals, 43 assists) in 68 games. A fan of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski, Smith can run the first unit on the power play or penalty kill, can finish hits, and take charge in transition." — Mike Morreale, NHL.com

Blue Jackets Rumors: K'Andre Miller To Columbus? With the NHL Draft just a few days away and the start of free agency a week away, the NHL's silly season is in full swing, and the Blue Jackets look to be involved at some point. 

Smith could be a good fit for the Blue Jackets, he could slot in on the second pairing and can bring an extra pairing of offense to the team along with Zach Werenski. By the time he reaches his prime of his career, he would likely be the next Werenski of the Blue Jackets on the top pairing. GM Don Waddell showed during his time with the Carolina Hurricanes that he likes a steady, reliable mobile blue line and Smith fits that, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him be selected by the Blue Jackets. 

Let us know what you think below.

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