14-Year Veteran Brendan Smith Signs a PTO
The former first-round pick isn't a regular in the NHL anymore, but 36-year-old Brendan Smith is still looking for a depth defenseman role, and has signed a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
🚨 Team Update 🚨
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 19, 2025
We’ve signed veteran D Brendan Smith to a professional tryout contract.https://t.co/ky8vZ92LlF
Smith was on a one-year, $1 million contract last year with the Dallas Stars, but only got into 32 games, spending most of the year as a 7th defensman, and a healthy scratch. And when he did play, he averaged a career-low 13:13 of ice time.
“Brendan Smith is an experienced, physical blueliner that competes hard and is sound in the defensive zone,” Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said in a statement. “He is a veteran presence with great character and professionalism, and we are excited to have the opportunity to bring him to camp.”
Columbus will be Smith's sixth NHL team. After being selected in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings and spending five seasons there, he has also spent time with the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and the Stars.
He'll now head back to the Metropolitan Division and try to catch on with the Blue Jackets at camp next month.
The 6'2", 200-pounder, in 726 career games, has 39 goals and 105 assists for 144 points, along with 972 hits, 694 blocked shots and 787 penalty minutes.
Photo: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
