Nate Schmidt

Lore & Background

As an undrafted player, Schmidt signed with the Capitals in 2013 after playing for the University of Minnesota. He was claimed by the expansion Golden Knights in 2017, and was part of the upstart inaugural season of the Golden Knights that saw them qualify for the Stanley Cup Final against his former team, the Capitals. After stints with the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets, Schmidt signed with the Florida Panthers as a free agent in 2023, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2024.

Reader's Guide

Schmidt is a defenseman known for his offensive contributions and ice time. He played college hockey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and was selected to the 2012–13 All-WCHA First Team. He signed with the Washington Capitals in 2013, made his NHL debut in 2013, and scored his first NHL goal in 2013. He was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft, signed a two-year contract, and led the team in average playing time during their inaugural season. He was suspended 20 games in 2018 for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug policy. He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2020, then to the Winnipeg Jets in 2021. He was placed on long-term injured reserve in December 2022 after a hit. The Jets bought out his contract in June 2024. He signed with the Florida Panthers in July 2024 and won the Stanley Cup in 2025. He signed with the Utah Mammoth in July 2025.

Did You Know?

• Schmidt was selected first overall by the Fargo Force in the 2007 USHL Futures Draft.
• He was suspended 20 games in 2018 for violating the NHL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, though the suspension was later reduced to 10 games on appeal.