NATE SCHMIDT - Defenseman - 28 - $5.95MM Cap Hit - UFA in 2025-2026
LAST UPDATED 8/28/19
Nate Schmidt was an underrated young defenseman for Washington until he completely broke out in the 2016-17 playoffs, leading to him getting selected in the expansion draft by the Golden Knights. Since arriving in Vegas, all Schmidt has done is grow, and he's blossomed into one of the team's most valuable defensemen. Schmidt's best quality is easily his ability to move the puck. He's an incredibly mobile defenseman who has great vision and above-average puck skills. As a result, he can capably post 35+ points over the course of a full season, and be an aggressive defenseman to utilize on the power play. He's not an elite offensive force like Brent Burns, but he can capably drive the puck up the ice and utilize his teammates to create scoring chances. Defensively, Schmidt's a bit of a rollercoaster. On one hand, he's got a really high motor and a great work ethic. There are few things he wouldn't do to give his team the edge, and as he's a former undrafted player I have a great amount of respect for him. On the other hand, Schmidt doesn't really take advantage of his 6-1 frame, and as a result doesn't have a great physical side to his game. He can still use his speed and smarts to kill penalties, but he won't be a true shutdown defenseman and much of his defensive value lies in his zone exit prowess rather than some real crease-clearing ability. He has value there, but it's muddy. Overall, Schmidt is a decent #2/3 defenseman, capable of anchoring a second pairing with a weaker (#4) partner or filling in on the top pairing with another #2.
Nate Schmidt was an underrated young defenseman for Washington until he completely broke out in the 2016-17 playoffs, leading to him getting selected in the expansion draft by the Golden Knights. Since arriving in Vegas, all Schmidt has done is grow, and he's blossomed into one of the team's most valuable defensemen. Schmidt's best quality is easily his ability to move the puck. He's an incredibly mobile defenseman who has great vision and above-average puck skills. As a result, he can capably post 35+ points over the course of a full season, and be an aggressive defenseman to utilize on the power play. He's not an elite offensive force like Brent Burns, but he can capably drive the puck up the ice and utilize his teammates to create scoring chances. Defensively, Schmidt's a bit of a rollercoaster. On one hand, he's got a really high motor and a great work ethic. There are few things he wouldn't do to give his team the edge, and as he's a former undrafted player I have a great amount of respect for him. On the other hand, Schmidt doesn't really take advantage of his 6-1 frame, and as a result doesn't have a great physical side to his game. He can still use his speed and smarts to kill penalties, but he won't be a true shutdown defenseman and much of his defensive value lies in his zone exit prowess rather than some real crease-clearing ability. He has value there, but it's muddy. Overall, Schmidt is a decent #2/3 defenseman, capable of anchoring a second pairing with a weaker (#4) partner or filling in on the top pairing with another #2.
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