Ty Smith, D (CHL)
Largely considered the organization’s top prospect, Ty Smith was the final cut before New Jersey’s 2019-20 roster was finalized, despite his underwhelming training camp performance. Smith is averaging over a point per game with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs for the third consecutive season, and will begin his pro career next year. When looking at the team’s prospect pool, Smith is overwhelmingly the most likely candidate to become an NHL regular next, given his current standing with the organization and how his game has developed since being drafted 17th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Aside from his disappointing training camp, perhaps New Jersey’s swath of established NHL regulars occupying the blue line also factored into why Smith was cut. It wouldn’t make sense to keep a 19-year-old defenseman if he plays no more than 8-10 minutes in games when he isn’t sitting in the press box. That would inhibit his development. If there are multiple roster openings on the post-trade deadline New Jersey Devils defense, Smith will practically be guaranteed one—if he doesn’t take the opportunity for granted.
While he’s considered undersized like his NCAA counterpart Reilly Walsh, Smith projects to be a better defenseman, whose skillset will outweigh any concerns regarding his stature. Should one roster spot come down between Walsh and Smith (assuming they perform equally well in camp), it’ll more than likely be awarded to the latter. We could see Smith make his debut this season if his Junior season ends before the Devils season.