Nate Schmidt

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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 2024, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2025.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed above the ice as Schmidt lined up for a faceoff in the offensive zone. He watched the puck drop, immediately pivoting on his skates to receive a pass near the blue line. With seconds ticking down, he fired a wrist shot that rattled off the crossbar, sending a ripple of anticipation through the crowd.

Reader's Guide

Schmidt played college hockey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals on April 2, 2013. He made his NHL debut on October 12, 2013, against the Colorado Avalanche. He scored his first NHL goal on December 7, 2013, against Marek Mazanec of the Nashville Predators. He was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights on June 21, 2017. He signed a two-year, $4.45 million contract with the Golden Knights. Prior to the 2018–19 season, Schmidt was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug use policy. On October 25, while serving his suspension, the Golden Knights signed Schmidt to a six-year, $35.8 million extension. On October 12, 2020, Schmidt was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights to the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft. On July 27, 2021, Schmidt was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a third-round pick in 2022. On December 16, 2022, Schmidt was placed on long term injured reserve by the Jets after taking a hit from Nashville Predators forward Tanner Jeannot. On June 30, 2024, the Jets placed Schmidt on unconditional waivers with the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract. He cleared, becoming an unrestricted free agent. On July 3, 2024, Schmidt signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Florida Panthers. Schmidt won his first Stanley Cup championship as the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final in six games. On July 2, 2025, Schmidt was signed to a 3-year contract worth $3.5 million annually with the Utah Mammoth.

Did You Know?

• Schmidt was born to Tom and Joann Schmidt, and grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
• He also played football and baseball before deciding to stick with hockey.
• Schmidt was selected first overall by the Fargo Force in the 2007 United States Hockey League Futures Draft.
• In his junior year at Minnesota, Schmidt was selected to the 2012–13 All-WCHA First Team.