A deep dive into 2024 NHL Draft prospect and Everett Silvertips' defender Tarin Smith.

The WHL is set to play a significant role in this year's 2024 NHL Draft. 57 players were included on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, with a handful expected to be drafted in the first round. Today's draft profile is of Everett Silvertips' defenceman, Tarin Smith, who enters the draft as the 38th-ranked North American Skater.

If NHL GMs are looking for a skilled defender who can control the puck at the blue line, Smith is their guy. The Silvertips defender led all WHL rookie defencemen in goals, assists, points and plus-minus while also leading all CHL rookie defencemen in points. A dynamic playmaker, he has also mastered the art of creating shooting and passing lanes through movement and fake shots. 

Currently listed at 6'1", 175 pounds, Smith is a player who saw his draft stock rise throughout the season. The left-shot defender initially received a "W" ranking at the beginning of the year by Central Scouting after missing all but eight games in 2022-23 with an injury. His determination and overall improvement throughout the campaign have not only landed him a spot on the CHL All-Rookie Team but also as a projected second-round pick in this year's draft. 

As for the transition game, Smith opts for breakout passes rather than rushing the puck in himself. He often can find teammates who have exited the zone and does not turn the puck over when trying to clear it out of his own zone. His breakout passes are often tape to tape, and because of the speed Everett's forwards possess, they frequently lead to scoring chances. 

The big question when it comes to Smith is his overall defensive play. While he is physical and can separate players from the puck, his positioning does need some work. The good news, however, is that his defensive game continued to get better as the season progressed, showing that he is ready to put in the time and effort to ensure all aspects of his game are strong. 

Smith projects as a bottom-pair NHLer who can help out on the power play. If his defensive game continues to improve, he could play up the lineup, but he is most likely suited to play 14-17 minutes a night. Ultimately, he is an exciting prospect who should be able to pull off highlight-reel moves throughout his career.

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