<p>If you’re craving a top-end defenseman in the 2025 NHL Draft, there’s one clear prize at the top: Matthew Schaefer.</p>



<p>But while this draft might not boast the deepest blueline crop we’ve ever seen, teams needing blueline help will still have solid options to work with. And the next best bet might be Tri-City Americans defenseman Jackson Smith.</p>



<p>The 17-year-old Calgary native is considered by many to be the second-best defenseman in the draft. Daily Faceoff ranked him seventh in the most recent ranking earlier this week, with others thinking he could go as high as fifth. </p>



<p>Smith will represent Canada at the U-18 World Championship in Texas this month, and he’s expected to play a big role. He was one of Canada’s better all-around defenders at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping to push himself into the top 10 conversation. Smith should be the top blueliner in the tournament, especially with Schaefer on the sidelines.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="156"></div>



<p>Smith started as a forward. But after getting cut from playing in the prestigious Brick tournament at 10 years old, he made the switch to the back end. From there, he focused on bringing absolute power to the game, including his shot, one of the most intriguing elements of his game.</p>



<p>“When I was younger, my dad always pushed me to shoot pucks,” Smith said at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. “I started playing hockey when I was four, so I just loved it. I just kept shooting and practice. I would always work on it, try my best to have the best shot possible. I still need it to get harder, but I’m working on it.”</p>



<p>From there, Smith’s game quickly became more refined. He started to grow into his 6-foot-3 frame, giving him ideal size for a defenseman. The Americans took him second overall in 2022, and then he only played 23 games between the U-18 prep level and the WHL the following season. The 62-game regular season in 2023-24 was a bit of a grind for Smith, but scouts complimented his play down the stretch as he continued to get more and more comfortable.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="196"></div>



<p>His play at the Hlinka, though, helped put him among the top defenders for 2025. He consistently held his own against any competition while playing a strong, smart, and physical game. Smith followed it up with 54 points during the WHL regular season, which was good for first in scoring among all Tri-City defenders by over double. He averaged around 25 minutes a night, which allowed him to become the only 50-point draft-eligible defenseman in the WHL.</p>



<p>Playing significant minutes is extremely difficult for a 17-year-old. But Smith’s strong mental game made it easier.</p>



<p>“He’s honestly one of the smartest defenders in this draft class,” one scout said. “He thinks at such a high level and moves the puck like it, too. He doesn’t get intimidated – and he’s often the one doing the intimidating.”</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="135"></div>



<p>Smith says he likes to model his game after <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/dallas-stars/line-combinations">Dallas Stars</a> defender Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen is a little bit smaller, but he plays with the same type of puck skills that Smith brings to the table. There are also some similarities to how Jake Sanderson tracked plays at the same age.</p>



<p>“Heiskanen is a great skater. I kind of try to replicate my game quite like him. Great offensively, but also plays hard defensively,” Smith said.</p>



<p>While Smith can clearly contribute offensively, he’s got his own-zone game mostly figured out. He can play a bit too loosey-goosey at times as he tries to beat players with his flash. But when he calms down and focuses on keeping things simple, Smith is as effective as they get.</p>



<p>Most scouts think Smith will become a top-pairing defenseman. He has all the traits you look for in someone who can handle the pressure of going up against an NHL team’s top line. He can skate, hit and beat you with his pure skill. Even though he has a decent shot, scouts would like to see better selection moving forward. But if he can iron that out, we could see him in the NHL in two years.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="3" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="203"></div>



<p>If you haven’t been watching Smith closely this year, it’s time to change that over the next two weeks in Texas.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recent Articles from Steven Ellis</h2>



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