The Chicago Blackhawks have added forward Cole Smith on a three-year contract worth $9 million, averaging $3 million annually.
The deal was announced on July 1, 2026, as NHL free agency opened.
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Smith Brings Physical Presence to Rebuilding Hawks
Smith, 30, joins Chicago after helping the Vegas Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Finals last season. He recorded three goals and three assists in 22 playoff games.
During the regular season, the winger posted eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 63 games.
His physical style is expected to bolster the Blackhawks' lower lines after a 31st-place finish.
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General manager Kyle Davidson is using the team's more than $29 million in salary cap space to reach the league's mandatory spending floor.
The Smith signing follows another major move that made defenseman Bowen Byram the highest-paid blue-liner in the NHL.
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Hockey insider Frank Seravalli first reported the agreement on social media, posting: "Cole Smith is going to the #Blackhawks: 3 years x $3 million."
