If you thought that Kelly McCrimmon was done doing business with the Nashville Predators, well, think again. After a 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Cole Smith from the Predators, sending over a 2028 third-round pick and Christoffer Sedoff in exchange. TSN's Darren Dreger was the first to report the trade.
Vegas acquires Cole Smith
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 4, 2026
For a 3rd in 2028
Smith hasn't been around much for the Predators this season. He's played 41 games and registered six goals and four assists in 2025-26. He has 119 hits to go with the small offensive contributions, making him a valuable lower-line presence. He has 23 goals and 39 assists in his six-year career.
Smith has a $1 million salary cap hit, making him a tiny financial hit for the Golden Knights. He'll also be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
The Golden Knights will take on the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, so he's set to make his Golden Knights debut there. One thing's certain: the Vegas lower lines are set to get much tougher.
More hard-hitting play and grit never hurt anyone. Imagine Smith, Kolesar, and Lauzon laying out opponents with ease, softening up opponents. It might not be the big move that fans were hoping for. However, it might be enough to get the team motivated and energized. Watch for Smith for the season's remainder to be a "smash hit" (waka waka!).