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 make up for the loss of a key part of the bottom six.

Coming up is Cole Smith, who signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks on July 1.

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

Read more about Smith.

Smith Willing to Bring Skillset the Blackhawks Search

General manager Kyle Davidson said last month that they were looking to change the dynamics of their six-man squad. Davidson highlighted Smith’s physicality, size, speed, and experience on special teams.

The Blackhawks’ strong pursuit of Smith was a big factor in his decision to sign with Chicago. He said, “Regarding wanting to sign there, I think just talking to the management during the process, what really stood out to me was that they wanted me to be part of their team. They made me feel special about how they really wanted to put me in that third, fourth line there, and play my style there. So I think, obviously, a big team, a small team that will join me with trust and confidence. They wanted me badly it was a big decision.”

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

In addition, Smith brings the intangibles necessary 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 are a lot of good players in the NHL and the AHL, and I think that finding a place or finding a part of your game that makes you stick is very important. I think I was able to find that and adapt to that, and that’s how I was able to stick and sign contracts in the NHL, and my role is to be there to be there for the fans. body, strength, you know, when the team needs to change the momentum in the game, come out with a good transition, or take the zone face-offs and tries to finish in the o-zone;

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

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

“I think playing with them last year, you can tell they have a really good offense. They can switch quickly and take small plays and put them in the back of your net. You can tell playing against them, they’re a small team, so they’re vulnerable to certain things. But, you know, that small offense, obviously, is pretty amazing and what they can do.”

Smith Brings Different Perspectives to the Blackhawks

As a veteran, Smith comes to Chicago with a different perspective, too. After being traded to the Golden Knights in March, he reached the Stanley Cup Finals and will bring that experience to bear as he joins the Blackhawks, fighting to finally get there.

He had six points in 22 playoff games.

“It’s been an amazing run to be able to go that far, and I think once you’ve heard it like that, and it’s so close, it really drives you, and you want to get back there really bad. And then, I had a little taste of success in the playoffs there, and that’s something that’s going to keep me going to want to get back there, and obviously you can compete, and obviously you can compete.”

He also has a different view of human nature. Smith is getting married this summer and has a one-year-old son.

He was asked about settling down in his three-year period, which is the longest time he has had in his career, “To reach those three years is exciting for us, and you know, we spent a lot of time in Nashville… They were one-year contracts, so it was not always guaranteed for us. to put our roots down somewhere, and be free without thinking about leaving too soon, it’s a big thing. It will be good for me, and not only (me), but also for the one I will marry, and the little one, as long as we have our place.

There is joy in Smith both off and on the ice. A place he and his family can call home, and a team he is willing to bring his skills to. After all, the Blackhawks always admire their players.

“I’m very excited. It’s another chapter in the books for me and my family, so we’re looking forward to getting there and getting things going. Chicago is a little bit of a rebuilding team, so it’s going to be a lot of fun, and it’s going to be a fun team to be a part of.”