From undrafted free agent to NHL veteran with career earnings surpassing $3.5 million, Cole Smith built his professional hockey fortune through grit and determination.
The 30-year-old forward recently moved to the Vegas Golden Knights after spending six seasons with the Nashville Predators, where he established himself as a reliable depth player.
This article explores Cole Smith’s net worth, NHL contract details, career earnings breakdown, endorsement opportunities, and the complete financial picture of his professional hockey career.
You’ll learn how he transformed his college success at the University of North Dakota into a multi-million dollar NHL career.
Cole Smith’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cole Smith |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1995 |
| Age | 30 |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Birth | Brainerd, Minnesota, USA |
| Height / Weight | 6’3″ / 194 lbs |
| Position | Left Wing/Right Wing |
| Current NHL Team | Vegas Golden Knights |
| NHL Draft | Undrafted |
| Years Active | 2020 – Present |
| Net Worth | $3.5 million |
| Current Salary | $1 million annually |
| Career Earnings | $3,525,000 |
| Fiancée | Hannah |
| Children | 1 |
Early Life & Hockey Journey
Cole Smith was born and raised in Brainerd, Minnesota, where he developed his passion for hockey.
His path to professional hockey was far from straightforward, facing rejection and setbacks that would have deterred most aspiring players.
After his senior year of high school, Smith was cut by a USHL team, which typically serves as a critical stepping stone for future NHL players.
Despite the disappointment, Smith received a partial scholarship offer from the University of North Dakota, where only 20 percent of his education was covered.
This lack of initial support made his college journey financially challenging, but he persevered through four seasons with the Fighting Hawks.
During his time at North Dakota, Smith developed into a leader, serving as assistant captain and helping his team win the Penrose Cup championship in 2020.
Following the 2019-20 college season, Smith went undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft but caught the attention of Nashville Predators scouts.
His combination of size, defensive responsibility, and work ethic earned him an undrafted free agent contract with Nashville, launching his professional career.
This opportunity proved to be the breakthrough Smith needed after years of proving doubters wrong.
NHL Career
Cole Smith made his NHL debut during the 2020-21 season opener with the Nashville Predators, marking the culmination of his underdog journey.
His first full professional season in 2021-22 saw him split time between Nashville and their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, where he recorded 21 goals and 41 points in the minor leagues.
Smith’s NHL career has been characterized by durability and consistent defensive play. Over his six seasons with Nashville, he appeared in 229 games, recording 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 total points.
While these numbers don’t jump off the page, Smith’s value came from his role as a depth forward who could play over 13 minutes per night while starting 80 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone.
His playing time remained steady across three full NHL seasons, appearing in 69, 80, and 70 games respectively.
This reliability made him a valuable asset for the Predators coaching staff, who could count on Smith’s physical presence at 6’3″ and 194 pounds.
On March 3, 2026, the Predators traded Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round draft pick.
The trade gave Smith a fresh start with a championship-contending organization. As a pending unrestricted free agent at season’s end, his performance with Vegas could determine his next contract and future earning potential in the NHL.
Fiancée
Cole Smith is engaged to his fiancée Hannah, whom he proposed to in summer 2025. The couple welcomed their first child in 2025, marking a significant milestone in Smith’s personal life during the same year he secured his NHL future.
In an April 2026 social media post, Smith expressed gratitude for his partner, calling her “an incredible mother and wife” and “my best friend”.
Smith’s family background includes his uncle Sandy Smith and sister Gabbie Smith. He maintains a private personal life, focusing public attention on his hockey career and family rather than seeking media spotlight.
The stability of his family life coincided with his most productive NHL seasons, as he balanced professional hockey demands with fatherhood responsibilities.
Cole Smith’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Cole Smith’s has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million.
He built his fortune primarily through NHL contracts spanning six professional seasons, with career earnings totaling $3,525,000 in actual dollars or $3,673,026 when adjusted for inflation. This places him at #2325 in all-time NHL career earnings rankings, reflecting his status as a depth player rather than a star.
NHL Contract
Cole Smith is currently playing the final year of a two-year, $2 million contract signed with the Nashville Predators on January 24, 2024.
The deal carries an annual average value (AAV) of $1 million and was set to begin in the 2024-25 season.
General Manager Barry Trotz secured Smith’s services at a team-friendly cap hit, allowing Nashville flexibility while rewarding Smith’s consistent play.
When Nashville traded Smith to Vegas on March 3, 2026, the Golden Knights acquired him as a rental player for their playoff push.
The contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making Smith an unrestricted free agent in summer 2026.
His affordable $1 million cap hit made him an attractive trade acquisition, as nearly every NHL team could absorb his salary without significant roster complications.
Salary
Cole Smith’s current annual salary stands at $1 million for the 2025-26 season. This represents his highest annual salary to date, nearly doubling his previous compensation.
Prior to this contract, Smith earned league-minimum or near-minimum salaries throughout his early NHL career.
In the 2023-24 season, Smith earned $775,000 under a one-year contract signed on February 6, 2023.
That deal brought him back to Nashville as an unrestricted free agent and demonstrated his value despite limited offensive production. The 2022-23 season saw Smith earn $750,000 as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Team | Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Nashville/Vegas | $1,000,000 | Traded to Vegas March 3, 2026 |
| 2024-25 | Nashville | $1,000,000 | Year 1 of 2-year deal |
| 2023-24 | Nashville | $775,000 | One-year UFA contract |
| 2022-23 | Nashville | $750,000 | RFA with arbitration rights |
| 2021-22 | Nashville | $750,000 | Second pro season |
| 2020-21 | Nashville | $792,500 | Entry-level contract with bonuses |
| Total | – | $5,067,500 | Including current season projection |
- Smith’s career earnings total approximately $3,525,000 in compensation already received through his first five completed seasons. Adding his 2025-26 salary brings his projected career total to over $5 million by summer 2026, assuming he completes the full season and receives his entire $1 million salary from Nashville and Vegas combined.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | NSH/VGK | 70* | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024-25 | Nashville | 70 | 6 | 12 | 18 |
| 2023-24 | Nashville | 80 | 7 | 14 | 21 |
| 2022-23 | Nashville | 69 | 4 | 9 | 13 |
| 2021-22 | Nashville | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | Nashville | Limited | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NHL Totals | – | 229 | 17 | 35 | 52 |
FAQs
What is Cole Smith’s current NHL salary?
Cole Smith earns $1 million annually in the 2025-26 season, playing for the Vegas Golden Knights after being traded from Nashville in March 2026.
How much has Cole Smith earned in his NHL career?
Smith has earned approximately $3.5 million through his first five completed NHL seasons, ranking #2325 in all-time NHL career earnings.
Was Cole Smith drafted into the NHL?
He went undrafted and signed with Nashville as an undrafted free agent following his four-year college career at the University of North Dakota in 2020.
What team does Cole Smith play for currently?
Smith currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights after Nashville traded him on March 3, 2026, in exchange for Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick.
Is Cole Smith married?
Smith is engaged to his fiancée Hannah, whom he proposed to in 2025, and the couple welcomed their first child the same year.
