Nate Schmidt
A steady offensive defenseman who anchored the blue line during Vegas's inaugural season run to the Stanley Cup Final.
via Wikipedia: Nate Schmidt · see source
Nate Schmidt is a former professional ice hockey defenseman who played for the Vegas Golden Knights from the 2017-18 season through the 2019-20 season. He was selected by the Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft after being left exposed by the Washington Capitals. Schmidt helped lead the Golden Knights to the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs in their inaugural season, only to lose in the Stanley Cup Final to his former team, the Capitals.
- tenure_end
- 2020 (traded in October 2020)
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Lore & Background
Schmidt was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights on June 21, 2017, in the NHL Expansion Draft. After going to an arbitrator in August, he signed a two-year, $4.45 million contract with the Golden Knights. During his first season with the team, Schmidt found success, putting up career high numbers in points and leading all Golden Knights defensemen in average playing time. He helped lead the Golden Knights to the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs in their inaugural season, only to lose in the Stanley Cup Final to his former team, the Washington Capitals. Prior to the 2018-19 season, Schmidt was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug use policy. He appealed his suspension, but the arbitrator upheld it. On October 25, while serving his suspension, the Golden Knights signed Schmidt to a six-year, $35.8 million extension. On October 12, 2020, Schmidt was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights to the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He stated his unhappiness following the trade, citing a lack of communication with Vegas management and calling it "a tough pill to swallow".
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed above the ice as Schmidt lined up for a faceoff in the offensive zone. He watched the puck drop, immediately pivoting on his skates to receive a pass near the blue line. With seconds ticking down, he fired a wrist shot that rattled off the crossbar, sending a ripple of anticipation through the crowd.
Reader's Guide
His career with the Knights was defined by offensive versatility and quarterbacking the power play. While specific point totals vary across seasons, he consistently provided top-four defense minutes that stabilized the team during their growth phase. Schmidt's impact extended beyond statistics; his calm demeanor under pressure helped anchor a young roster chasing its first championship. His departure marked the end of an era for the original core defensemen who joined after expansion. Fans remember him for his smooth skating and ability to transition play from deep in his own zone. Schmidt remains a respected figure in the club's history book as a foundational piece during the team's formative years, setting a standard for offensive production expected from defensemen.
Did You Know?
- Schmidt was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft after being left exposed by the Washington Capitals.
- He led all Golden Knights defensemen in average playing time during the 2017-18 season.
- Schmidt was suspended 20 games prior to the 2018-19 season for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug use policy.
- While serving his suspension, the Golden Knights signed Schmidt to a six-year, $35.8 million extension on October 25, 2018.
- Schmidt was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on October 12, 2020, for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft.