It’s official, Canadian defenseman and former New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils] first-round pick Ty Smith has signed a one-year contract with Belarus-based KHL club Dinamo Minsk. Rumors circulated earlier this week [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/report-former-first-round-pick-headed-to-the-khl] that the 2018 first-rounder would be leaving the NHL after five seasons in the league. Smith initially made a strong impression in his rookie season (2020–21). After being selected 17th overall, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, tallying 23 points in 48 games. The following season, he recorded 20 points in 66 games. However, his rookie year ultimately marked the peak of his NHL career. After 2020, his production began to decline. He saw a reduction in playing time and was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins after one more season with the Devils. Smith played just nine games for the Penguins, spending most of the season in the AHL, before being traded again, this time to the Carolina Hurricanes. In total, Smith played 131 NHL games across five seasons and three teams, never matching the numbers from his debut campaign. Now, at 25, he’s officially headed to the KHL. He turned 25 on July 1, qualifying him as an AHL veteran under league rules. Smith spent most of last season with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, where he posted 28 points in 36 games and appeared in eight NHL games with the Hurricanes. In free agency, the Hurricanes left him unprotected. He became an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and has now opted to continue his career overseas. According to Belarushockey.com [https://x.com/Belarushockey/status/1945872159533875375], Smith signed a one-year deal worth $500,000 with Dinamo Minsk. Russian sports site Championat.com confirmed the signing on Thursday, as did the team via Telegram. His future beyond next season remains uncertain. While there’s a chance Smith could return to the NHL, there’s currently no indication of a comeback. Seven years ago, he was a top prospect, a first-round pick expected to be a cornerstone of the Devils' blue line. Had he sustained his rookie-level performance, Smith might be skating alongside Hughes, Hamilton, and Nemec today. Instead, at just 25, he departs the NHL in search of a fresh start internationally. Photo Credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
