2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Jackson Smith

Diving Deeper

Smith spent the 2024-25 season with the Tri-City Americans and finished the year with 11 goals and 43 assists over 68 games played. He was also invited to play for Team Canada for the U-18 WJC and finished the tournament with five points (4G, 1A) over seven games.

Hockey IQ

Smith has impressive puck moving abilities, and is defensively strong on and off the puck due to his size and stick handling skills. His zone exits are one of his strongest points in his game play, he is consistently able to get his stick on the puck and move it up the ice. He is able to contribute offensively, making him a strong player in all three zones which is a highly coveted skill in defenseman.

He’s physical, he skates so well, and he’s as mobile as it gets for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. I also think his hockey sense is great, and it’s only a matter of time until he finds a way to explode offensively. Scouts see him as a top-four defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles. He should be an impact player on Canada’s World Junior team next year, too, which will help his overall profile.
Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Areas for Improvement

Smith has the size and the strength needed for a blue liner, but he could use some development when it comes to defensive-zone turnovers. However, this is something that can be worked on through training, making him able to maintain his top four defenseman status.

Final Thoughts

Despite his few weaknesses, Jackson Smith is gifted in all areas of the game, he is a highly talented puck moving defenseman and is able to play a solid two-way game. He will likely end up somewhere in a top-four pairing in the NHL, though there is a possibility for him to be on a top-pairing.