Nashville Predators Complete Cole Smith Trade to Vegas Golden Knights

The Nashville Predators have traded forward Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round draft pick.

The Nashville Predators officially traded forward Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. In exchange for the 29-year-old winger, Nashville receives 22-year-old defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a third-round selection in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft. This transaction marks a shift in the Predators' roster construction, moving a veteran depth piece for a defensive prospect and long-term draft capital. Smith, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds, leaves Tennessee after appearing in 184 career games for the franchise.

During his tenure with the Predators, Smith recorded 14 goals and 34 assists for a total of 48 points. His most productive season occurred in 2023-24, where he posted career highs in goals (9), assists (14), and points (23) across 80 games played. The Brainerd, Minnesota native also registered 158 hits and 33 blocked shots during that specific campaign, establishing himself as a physical presence in the bottom six. His departure vacates a spot on the Nashville penalty kill, where he averaged significant shorthanded ice time over the past two seasons.

Christoffer Sedoff, the primary player returning to Nashville, is a left-handed defenseman currently playing for the Henderson Silver Knights in the American Hockey League. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 196 pounds, the Finnish blueliner has appeared in 51 AHL games during the 2023-24 season, tallying 10 assists. Before turning professional, Sedoff played for the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League, where he earned Central Division First All-Star Team honors after recording 51 points in 59 games during the 2022-23 season. He was originally signed by Vegas as an undrafted free agent in March 2023.

By acquiring a 2028 third-round pick, the Predators now possess a significant collection of future assets. This specific selection is the first 2028 pick Nashville has added via trade, supplementing their existing draft cupboard. The Golden Knights, known for aggressive roster management, sacrificed this distant asset to secure immediate help on the wing. Smith’s contract, which carries an average annual value of $1 million through the 2025-26 season, provides Vegas with a cost-controlled veteran for their current playoff push and the subsequent year.

The trade reflects Nashville General Manager Barry Trotz’s strategy of accumulating younger talent and draft picks. Sedoff joins a defensive pipeline that includes several recent high-round selections, providing the organization with more options on the left side of the ice. For Vegas, the move addresses a need for size and grit among their forward group. Smith’s ability to play both wings and his experience in a checking role were key factors in the Golden Knights' pursuit of the forward. This deal concludes Smith's four-year stint in the Predators organization, which began when he signed as a free agent out of the University of North Dakota in 2020.