2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Jackson Smith

Jackson Smith skating for the WHL Tri-City Americans

Jackson Smith is an 18-year-old left-shooting defenseman who spent the 2024-25 season with the Tri-City Americans. Smith is 6’3″ and was born on May 13, 2007, in Calgary, Alberta. He is projected to be drafted in the top 20 during the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Draft Projections
#16 Inside the Rink
#10 TSN Bob McKenzie
#13 NHL Central Scouting North American Skaters

Diving Deeper

Smith spent the 2024-25 season with the Tri-City Americans and finished the year with 11 goals and 43 assists over 68 games played. He was also invited to play for Team Canada for the U-18 WJC and finished the tournament with five points (4G, 1A) over seven games.

Hockey IQ

Smith has impressive puck moving abilities, and is defensively strong on and off the puck due to his size and stick handling skills. His zone exits are one of his strongest points in his game play, he is consistently able to get his stick on the puck and move it up the ice. He is able to contribute offensively, making him a strong player in all three zones which is a highly coveted skill in defenseman.

He’s physical, he skates so well, and he’s as mobile as it gets for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. I also think his hockey sense is great, and it’s only a matter of time until he finds a way to explode offensively. Scouts see him as a top-four defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles. He should be an impact player on Canada’s World Junior team next year, too, which will help his overall profile.
Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Areas for Improvement

Smith has the size and the strength needed for a blue liner, but he could use some development when it comes to defensive-zone turnovers. However, this is something that can be worked on through training, making him able to maintain his top four defenseman status.

Final Thoughts

Despite his few weaknesses, Jackson Smith is gifted in all areas of the game, he is a highly talented puck moving defenseman and is able to play a solid two-way game. He will likely end up somewhere in a top-four pairing in the NHL, though there is a possibility for him to be on a top-pairing.

ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris as the discuss Gavin McKenna making the jump to the NCAA, Pittsburgh and San Jose making additions, and the NHL season to begin on October 7, 2025.
  1. ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing
  2. ITR 46: Offseason Chaos
  3. ITR 45: Everything Is Happening
  4. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again
  5. ITR 43: It's Winning Time

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Jayd Serdy

Jayd Serdy is a journalist with just over one year of professional experience. She grew up watching basketball and baseball but grew to love both Men’s and Women’s hockey as well. She enjoys all aspects of the game but puts an emphasis on prospects entering the league. Jayd lives just south of Seattle with her dog, Maverick. When she isn’t watching or writing about sports, Jayd enjoys traveling, going to various concerts and spending time with friends and family.

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