Penguins A to Z: Ty Smith's NHL credentials are without question

With the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2022-23 season coming to an end without any postseason action, the Tribune-Review will offer Penguins A to Z, a player-by-player look at all 49 individuals signed to an NHL contract — including those whose deals do not begin until next season — with the organization, from mid-level prospect Corey Andonovski to top-six winger Jason Zucker.

This series will publish every weekday leading into the NHL Draft on June 28 and 29.

(Note: All contract information courtesy of Cap Friendly.)

Ty Smith

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Left

Age: 23

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 180 pounds

2022-23 NHL statistics: Nine games, four points (one goal, three assists)

2022-23 AHL statistics: 39 games, 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists)

Contract: In the final year of a three-year entry-level contract with a salary cap hit of $863,333. Pending restricted free agent this offseason.

(Note: Smith was exempt from waivers for any transactions involving a minor league affiliate throughout his contract.)

Acquired: Trade, July 16, 2022

Last season: Ty Smith experienced a couple of firsts during the 2022-23 campaign.

In fact, a lot of what he accomplished last season occurred for the first time in his career.

He played his first AHL game, scored his first AHL goal, recorded his first AHL assist, registered his first AHL penalty minutes and so on.

A first-round pick of the New Jersey Devils (No 17 overall) in 2018, Smith spent his first two seasons at the NHL level before being dealt to the Penguins last offseason.

With a surplus of incumbent left-handed defenseman and a deficit of salary cap space, the Penguins had limited choices and assigned Smith, who was exempt from waivers, to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Opening the season on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s top pairing alongside Mark Friedman, Smith adapted to the AHL level quickly as he collected five points (two goals, three assists) in his first six games.

When injuries infested the Pittsburgh Penguins’ blue line, Smith earned his lone recall to the NHL level in 2022-23 on Dec. 28.

Utilized partially on the right side and even with the top power-play unit occasionally, Smith afforded himself well as he logged 20:12 of ice time per contest during his cup of coffee with the NHL club.

His lone goal at the NHL level last season came during a 5-2 road loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 5.

By Jan. 25, Smith was returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and stayed there for the remainder of the season, but things did not go smoothly.

After suffering an undisclosed injury Feb. 1, Smith missed five games. And once he returned to the lineup Feb. 18, he suffered a fractured facial bone and was absent for another 15 games.

Healthy enough to get back on the ice by March 29, Smith was productive down the stretch as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton struggled. In his final nine games, Smith posted nine points (three goals, six assists).

The future: Re-signing Smith should be a routine matter since the Penguins have contract control.

It’s fair to wonder what he is worth after he spent the bulk of 2022-23 at the AHL level and dealt with injuries. Perhaps a brief “bridge” contract that leads to a longer-term deal would benefit all parties involved.

Either way, Smith is all but guaranteed to be on the Penguins’ NHL roster next season. With long-time defenseman Brian Dumoulin likely to depart via free agency this offseason, that opens up a clear spot on the left side of the blue line for Smith.

A slick skater who exudes confidence with the puck, Smith has a sharp shot and can jump into the offense with ease.

Even if he spent most of his first season with the Penguins in the AHL, Smith’s NHL credentials are without question.

Follow the Penguins all season long.