Ty Smith is a New Jersey Devil
There were many names that floated around when speculating who the New Jersey Devils would choose at number 17 in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. One of them that wasn’t expected to be there was defenseman Ty Smith.
It was a long shot that Ty Smith would make it past the top ten during the 2018 NHL Draft. Well after a while, a chain of centers were selected one after another, leaving the New Jersey Devils with options. They got onto the stage and selected Smith, defenseman, from the Spokane Chiefs with the 17th overall pick.
On Monday, the Devils announced they signed Ty Smith to a three-year, entry-level deal. Smith, a native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a terrific defenseman. He was considered by many to be a top-ten pick in the draft. The Devils got him at 17, and clearly they are happy with what they’ve seen so far.
Smith was born on March 24th, 2000. He is 5-11 and 175 lbs. He likely will not suit up for the Devils this season, as most teenage defenseman do not crack NHL squads. It is a great sign that Ray Shero and his staff recognize him as a great part of their future. It is apparent that he has impressed in appearances for team Canada, and his rookie development camp.
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So what does this mean for the New Jersey Devils? It means good news. The defense core that most considered weak a year and half ago is slowly, but surely catching up to their great crop of young forwards. Smith is by far the top prospect now. He joins a potential defense core of Will Butcher and Sami Vatanen.
Veterans Andy Greene and Ben Lovejoy are not getting younger, so guys are going to have to come in and be even better than those guys if they want to compete for the Stanley Cup. A core of Smith and Butcher when they are older and more experienced, along with the always steady Sami Vatanen could form a very formidable defense in the not so distant future.