Journeyman NHL Defenceman Continues Career with Columbus Blue Jackets

Brendan Smith Signs with Columbus Blue Jackets

Brendan Smith is older and one of the more respected veteran players in the league, but he can still contribute. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out in Dallas. Last year in Dallas, trade deadline acquisition Cody Ceci and rising prospect Lian Bichsel eventually replaced Smith and Matt Dumba in the lineup. Thus, relegating the two veterans to healthy scratches and depth roles.

Smith appeared in just 32 games for the Stars in 2024-25. He tallied six points (one goal and five assists). This was his lowest total since a five-point 2022-23 campaign with the New Jersey Devils. The hope was that Smith will add some versatility on the blueline as a physical, veteran player, with more offensive skill in his game than most d-men on the roster.

Injuries also gave Smith opportunities at forward, which he has played sparingly throughout his career. Still, a team is in trouble if it needs to rely on the defenceman to consistently fill a forward role.

What It Means for the Blue Jackets

Columbus gives Smith another chance to prove he can still play at a competitive level with his career on its last legs. He began his career as a first-round pick with top-pairing potential. In his heyday, he came very close, but now, he fits best as a third-pairing defenceman or even as the seventh in a veteran leadership capacity.

Smith had been playing with Columbus’ AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. He is up to 11 games on the year. Blue Jacket general manager Don Waddell said he would join the team on Tuesday.