Gemel Smith Signs In Slovak Extraliga

A former fourth-round pick of the 2012 NHL Draft is continuing his professional career overseas. According to a team announcement, HC Presov of the Slovak Extraliga has signed forward Gemel Smith for the 2026-27 season.

Smith, 32, was originally drafted with the 104th overall pick of the 2012 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars. He didn’t begin playing in the Stars organization until the 2015-16 season, when he scored 10 goals and 27 points in 68 games for the AHL’s Texas Stars.

He spent a few more years with the Stars, even making his NHL debut in the 2016-17 season. In the 2018-19 season, the Boston Bruins claimed Smith off waivers from Dallas, and he enjoyed the best stretch of his professional career. In 47 games with the AHL’s Providence Bruins, Smith registered 14 goals and 40 points with a +6 rating.

Going untendered, Smith signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning the following offseason. Unfortunately, despite being in the organization and on the playoff practice squad, Smith never got his name on the Stanley Cup when Tampa Bay won back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.

By way of the waiver wire, Smith joined the Detroit Red Wings for a brief stretch in the 2021-22 season, allowing him the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Givani Smith. Smith returned to the Lightning, again on waivers. After a one-year stint in the KHL, Smith returned to AHL action for the 2024-25 campaign, but played for the DEL’s Grizzlys Wolfsburg last season.

Throughout his career, Smith has largely been an AHL talent. In 386 career games, the Toronto, ON native has registered 105 goals and 253 points with a +29 rating, including 398 PIMs. In the NHL, Smith has scored 12 goals and 25 points in 91 games.