Since Kyle Dubas took over as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the organization’s prospect pipeline has undergone a noticeable transformation. Dubas has worked to restock the system with promising talent, particularly on defense. With prospects like Owen Pickering, Harrison Brunicke, and Emil Pieniniemi leading the way, there’s a solid foundation forming. However, depth on the left side of the blue line remains thin—enter Jackson Smith.
So, what makes Smith an ideal target for the Penguins, and how would he fit within the organization?
Scouting Report: Jackson Smith
- NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters): 13th
- Rankings: Baracchini (7th), Horn (12th), Forbes (9th), Reimer (11th)
- 2024–25 Stats (Tri-City Americans, WHL): 68 GP – 11 G – 43 A – 54 PTS
Considered by many as the second-best defenseman in the 2025 draft class, Jackson Smith may not yet be a headline-grabbing scorer, but he boasts the skillset, size, and upside to become a top-four NHL defenseman.
At 6-foot-3, Smith is an excellent skater—his agility and mobility stand out, especially in transition and while managing play in the defensive and neutral zones. His hockey IQ is exceptional, and he complements that with poised stickhandling and vision.
Offensively, his game continues to evolve. In 2024–25, he showed more assertiveness on the power play, quarterbacking from the blue line and using his smooth skating to create lanes for teammates. Defensively, while there’s room for growth, Smith uses his long reach, smart stickwork, and gap control to neutralize rushes and limit high-danger chances.
With his blend of size and mobility, Smith has all the tools to grow into an impactful NHL defenseman. While his offensive instincts are still developing, time and confidence should sharpen that part of his game.
What the Experts Say
“Although he’s scoring at a fairly high level, Smith’s point-scoring isn’t quite what stands out. Notably, he has shown impressive puck-moving potential in Tri-City, aiding the flow of games. Zone exits are a regularly overlooked aspect of a defenseman, but they might be one of the most valuable—he has shown great poise in this department. Smith gets a lot of puck touches, and he is depended upon to advance it up the ice.”
– Justin Giampietro, The Hockey Writers
How Smith Fits in Pittsburgh
The Penguins lack depth on the left side of their defensive pipeline, making Smith an attractive option. With his upside, he could become a top-pairing blueliner down the road.
While he likely needs more time to develop—potentially spending a few seasons in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton—Pittsburgh’s developmental system has a strong recent track record. If drafted, Smith could refine his game further before making the jump to the NHL.
Should the Penguins Draft Smith at #11?
If Jackson Smith is still on the board when the Penguins make their pick at 11th overall, he could be hard to pass up. His raw offensive talent, elite skating, and growing two-way presence make him an ideal candidate to help anchor Pittsburgh’s future blue line.
Adding Smith would also balance the prospect pool, complementing forward prospects like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. In a draft rich with forward talent, Smith’s unique defensive value may be exactly what the Penguins need.
What do you think—should the Penguins take the shot if Smith is available at 11? Comment below!
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