Meet the New Chicago Blackhawks: Cole Smith – The Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks and Ilya Mikheyev parted ways this summer, as he signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning in free agency. Therefore, they had to make their own moves to fill the void of losing a key part of their bottom six.

In comes forward Cole Smith, who signed with the Blackhawks on a three-year deal on July 1.

He met with the media last week over Zoom, as did Ian Cole, to discuss their signings.

Here is more about Smith.

Smith Eager to Bring Skillset the Blackhawks Seek

General manager Kyle Davidson mentioned last month that they were looking to change up the dynamic of their bottom-six. Davidson highlighted Smith’s physicality, size, speed, and experience on special teams.

The Blackhawks strong pursuit of Smith was a major factor in his decision to sign with Chicago. He said, “As far as wanting to sign there, I think just talking with management through the process, what stood out to me is how much they wanted me to be a part of their group. They made me feel almost special in a way that they really wanted to get me in on that third, fourth line there, and play my style there. So I think just, obviously, a great team, young team to come join on the up-and-up. Also, just through management having a lot of confidence in me, and making me feel like they want me really badly was a big decision.”

When it comes to his style on the third or fourth line, the 30-year-old made his NHL debut in 2021 with the Nashville Predators, and over the years, he has established himself. He might not be the biggest goal-scorer, as his career-high is nine goals. He had 12 points in 63 games combined with Nashville and Vegas last season. But there is potential for more on the Blackhawks. His career high in points is 23.

Furthermore, Smith brings the intangibles that are needed to win hockey games, and he knows exactly what he brings to the table.

“I think it’s a big thing, especially in the NHL. There’s a lot of good players in the NHL and AHL, and I think finding a niche or finding a part of your game that makes you stick is very important. I think I’ve been able to find that and be consistent with that, and that’s how I’ve been able to stick and sign contracts in the NHL, and be around here for a couple years, is getting really good at my role. My role to me is that physicality, energy, you know, when a team needs to kind of change momentum in a game, go out and have a good shift, or take d-zone face-offs and try to end in the o-zone; those kinds of things. And so, it’s kind of been my way to be successful, and obviously, Chicago liked the game that I had, and I’m excited to bring it to Chicago.”

On the physicality aspect, last season, Smith had 119 hits with the Predators and 54 hits with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blackhawks top-two leaders in hits were Colton Dach (189) and Louis Crevier (124), both of whom were traded. So, Smith’s presence will be welcomed there.

There is also some familiarity for Smith. He started his career with the Predators, and being in the Central Division with the Blackhawks for a few years, he had a front-row seat to how they played.

“I think by playing them last year, you can tell they have really, really high-end offense. They can transition really quick and they take little plays and put it in the back of your net. You can tell playing against them, they’re a young team, so they’re susceptible to some things. But, you know, that young offense, obviously, is very striking and what they can do that way.”

Smith Bringing Different Perspectives to Blackhawks

Being a veteran, Smith is coming to Chicago with a different perspective, too. After being traded to the Golden Knights in March, he reached the Stanley Cup Final and will bring that experience with him as he joins the Blackhawks, who strive to eventually get there themselves.

He had six points in 22 playoff games.

“It was an awesome run to be able to go that far, and I think kind of once you get a taste of it like that, and being so close, it really drives you, and you want to get back there again really badly. And so, had a little bit of taste of success in the playoffs there, and so that’s something that’s going to keep driving me forward to want to get back there, and you know, want to, obviously, compete as hard as you can to get there.”

He also has a different perspective on a personal level. Smith is getting married this summer and has a one-year-old son.

He was asked about stability with his three-year term, which is the longest he has received in his career, “To get to that three years is awesome for us, and you know, we spent a lot of time in Nashville… It was a one-year contracts, so it wasn’t always guaranteed for us. We were lucky enough to stay there for as long as we did. But to have three years here now in Chicago, be able to think about and be able to move a whole house there and kind of put our roots back down somewhere, and be comfortable without thinking about moving right away again, is something huge. It’s going to be great for me, and not only (me), but also for my fiancé, and the little one, to kind of just have a spot for us.”

There’s excitement for Smith on and off the ice. A place for him and his family to call home, and a team he is eager to bring his skillset to. After all, the Blackhawks have always admired their role players.

“I’m super excited. It’s another chapter in the books for me and my family, and so, we’re really looking forward to getting there and getting things going. Chicago is a young team that’s kind of on the rise from a rebuild, and so it’s gonna be really exciting, and it’ll be a fun group to be a part of.”