Golden Knights Nab Gritty Smith from Preds

Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon pulls the trigger on a deadline deal, snagging forward Cole Smith from Nashville for a defenseman and a 2028 third-rounder. The 30-year-old bruiser brings 119 hits this season - second on the Preds - plus killer PK minutes that scream bottom-six plug-and-play. With his undrafted UND roots and NHL track record, Smith slots right into Vegas' wheelhouse as they chase another Cup run, but expect McCrimmon to keep wheeling and dealing.