Fans left reeling after former Avalanche player makes surprising career move
Photo credit: Dean Tait / Sport Shots
Colorado Avalanche fans are left in shock as former forward Givani Smith makes a surprising career move, one that no one could have anticipated, leaving many to wonder what this means for the next chapter of his professional journey.
On Friday, the Carolina Hurricanes confirmed they've signed ex-Colorado Avalanche forward Givani Smith to a one-year, two-way deal for the 2025-26 season, providing the veteran an opportunity to play at both the NHL and AHL levels.
Givani Smith keeps his NHL journey alive.
Tyler Kuehl from Daily Faceoff writes that the contract comes with an NHL cap hit of $775,000 and a minor-league salary of $140,000, including $250,000 guaranteed.
Smith earned his spot with the Hurricanes after attending training camp on a professional tryout, impressing the organization with his high-level play, something GM Eric Tulsky specifically praised the gritty veteran for.
"Givani came to camp as a PTO and proved that he deserved a role in the organization. His size and physicality make him a good fit to add depth to our forward group." -Tulsky
Smith has had quite the journey over the past few years. Originally a Detroit Red Wings prospect, he began last season with the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in the deal that sent Mackenzie Blackwood to San Jose in December.
Only a few months later, Smith was on the move again, this time heading to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Erik Johnson.
"Despite all the moving around, Smith appeared in just 13 games in the NHL during the 2024-25 campaign, failing to register a point. With the American Hockey League's Colorado Eagles and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the 27-year-old posted a goal and two assists." -Kuehl
Over seven NHL seasons, including a stint with the Florida Panthers, Smith has played in 168 games, recording nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points, along with 268 penalty minutes.
In 178 AHL games, he has added 27 goals and 30 assists for 57 points, alongside 287 penalty minutes.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 3 | 22 ANSWERS Fans left reeling after former Avalanche player makes surprising career move Do you think Givani Smith can crack the opening night roster for the Carolina Hurricanes? | ||
| yes | 8 | 36.4 % |
| no | 14 | 63.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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