Golden Knights Acquire Cole Smith from Predators

Vegas sends AHL defenseman Christoffer Sedoff to Nashville in the deal

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Nashville Predators traded forward Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, amid rumors that the Tampa Bay Lightning were also interested in acquiring him. The Golden Knights sent AHL defenseman Christoffer Sedoff to the Predators in exchange for Smith and a 2028 third-round pick.

Why it matters

The trade adds depth and physicality to the Golden Knights' roster as they make a push for the playoffs. Smith is known for his size and grit, which could be valuable assets for a playoff-bound team. The Lightning were also reportedly interested in Smith, indicating that physical, depth forwards are in high demand ahead of the trade deadline.

The details

Smith has never scored more than nine goals in a season and has only 10 points this year. However, his size and physicality on the wings are attractive to playoff-bound teams. At $1 million against the cap for the rest of this season, the trade is a low-risk bet for the Golden Knights.

  • The trade was completed on March 4, 2026, the same day the Predators lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
  • The Predators also traded Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild for a 2028 second-round pick on the same day.

The players

Cole Smith

A forward for the Nashville Predators who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Christoffer Sedoff

An AHL defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights who was traded to the Nashville Predators.

Tampa Bay Lightning

An NHL team that was reportedly interested in acquiring Cole Smith before the trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“'Vegas acquires Cole Smith. For a 3rd in 2028,'”

— Darren Dreger, TSN Reporter (TSN)

What’s next

The Golden Knights will look to integrate Cole Smith into their lineup as they make a push for the playoffs. The Lightning may continue to search for physical, depth forwards ahead of the trade deadline.

The takeaway

The trade for Cole Smith is a low-risk move for the Golden Knights that could pay dividends in the playoffs. The demand for players with Smith's physical style of play indicates that teams are looking to add grit and depth to their rosters as the postseason approaches.