The Nashville Predators have traded winger Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in a deal that brings prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a future draft asset back to Nashville. As part of the transaction, the Predators receive a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL draft, giving the organization additional flexibility and depth for the years ahead.
Smith, a winger known primarily for his size, work rate, and defensive reliability, moves to a Golden Knights team that has consistently emphasized forward depth and physical play. His style of game fits a bottom-six role, where he can contribute on the forecheck, help protect leads late in games, and support the penalty kill. For Vegas, adding another established NHL forward provides an immediate reinforcement option as the team navigates the grind of the regular season and positions itself for potential postseason play.
Going the other way, Sedoff adds another young blue-line option to the Predators’ development pipeline. A prospect defenseman, Sedoff will look to continue his progression within Nashville’s system, where the organization has historically placed strong emphasis on identifying and developing defensemen. The Predators gain a player they can work with over the long term, evaluating his potential fit at the NHL level in the seasons to come.
The inclusion of a 2028 third-round pick gives Nashville a valuable future asset. While a selection that far out will not impact the current roster right away, it extends the organization’s ability to reshape and reinforce its prospect pool over time. Third-round picks have often yielded useful NHL contributors, and the additional selection broadens the Predators’ options, whether they choose to use the pick themselves or include it in future trades.
For Vegas, the move reflects a willingness to part with a prospect and a mid-round draft choice in order to address present needs on the wing. For Nashville, the trade underscores a focus on balancing the roster between current contributors and longer-term pieces, while also stockpiling future draft capital. With Smith heading to the Golden Knights and Sedoff joining the Predators’ system, both clubs aim to strengthen their respective organizational plans through this relatively straightforward player-and-pick exchange.
