Eurolanche

Avalanche signs Ben Smith

Ben Smith, 28, has appeared in 197 career NHL games with Chicago, San Jose and Toronto, tallying 50 points (27g/23a). He has also dressed in 27 career playoff contests (7g/2a) and won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2012-13.

The Winston-Salem, North Carolina, native was Chicago’s fifth selection (sixth round, 169th overall) in the 2008 Entry Draft.  Smith split the 2015-16 season between the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs organizations. He recorded six points (2g/4a) and a +3 plus/minus rating in 16 games with the Leafs after appearing in six games for the Sharks (0g/0a) earlier in the season. He also spent time with both teams’ American Hockey League affiliates, the San Jose Barracuda and Toronto Marlies. 

Internationally, Smith won a bronze medal with the United States at the 2015 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic. Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11, 198-pound right winger played four seasons at Boston College, where he helped the Eagles win two NCAA championships (2008, 2010). He was the Frozen Four tournament MVP as a senior in 2010.

-- Avalanche Press Release --