Another Nittany Lion first-ever first-rounder!
The Columbus Blue Jackets selected the Nittany Lions’ incoming left-handed defenseman with the No. 14 pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.
Smith is the first member of the Penn State men’s hockey program to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft and the 16th player to be drafted in program history.
THE PICK IS IN
With the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, we’ve selected D Jackson Smith from the Tri-City Americans of @TheWHL!
Welcome to Columbus, Jackson! pic.twitter.com/KamfYZSjjy
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 28, 2025
Smith has yet to play a game for the Nittany Lions but announced his commitment to Guy Gadowsky’s program earlier in June. Before his commitment, Smith played for the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The Calgary, Alberta, native played in 68 games, totaling 54 points, 11 goals, and 43 assists during the 2024-25 season.
The Canadian is ranked as a five-star recruit, earning a spot as the third-highest-rated defenseman on Central Scouting’s North American list. Smith is the highest-ranked player to pledge his commitment to Hockey Valley.
Smith intends to join the blue and white ahead of the 2025-26 season as a left-handed defenseman for Gadowsky and his staff.
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Alex is a second-year Journalism major from Sarasota, Florida. Alex is a huge Tampa Bay sports fan and even has a cat named Kucherov. You can contact her at [email protected].