Articles / Defenseman Ty Smith Signs With KHL

Defenseman Ty Smith Signs With KHL

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Pro Hockey Rumors
Jul 20, 2025 6:44 PM

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Defenseman Ty Smith has officially signed with the KHL's HC Spartak Moscow after spending parts of four seasons in the NHL. The 23-year-old was drafted 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2018 and has shown flashes of his potential during his time in North America. However, Smith faced challenges in securing a consistent spot on an NHL roster, leading to this decision to pursue opportunities abroad.

During his tenure in the NHL, Smith played his best season in 2020-21, where he recorded 23 points in 48 games. He showcased his offensive skills from the blue line and earned praise as a promising young defenseman. Yet, his time with the Devils and a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins could not translate into sustained success, prompting the shift to the KHL.

Smith will now join a competitive league in Russia, where he hopes to refine his game and increase his chances of returning to the NHL in the future. This move signifies not just a new chapter in his career but also reflects the increasing trend of players exploring options overseas when faced with limited NHL opportunities. With his youth and talent, Smith aims to make a name for himself in the KHL before potentially making a comeback to the NHL roster that notices his development abroad.

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