Tarin Smith has quietly had himself an incredible season. His 16 goals and 55 assists for 71 points in 65 WHL games, placing him 11th, 3rd and 7th in those offensive categories by defensemen.

Smith has emerged as the biggest riser from the Ducks’ 2024 draft class. He has improved in several areas that were concerns entering the draft and hasn’t sacrificed a single step of his offensive game. Smith now handles pressure with significantly more poise, regularly making smart decisions under stress. He has also added a physical element to his game, ensuring he finishes his checks and makes his presence felt. Smith’s defensive play has taken a noticeable step forward, and he is now a great defender at the WHL level. His lateral movement remains his most notable weakness in the defensive zone, but it is no longer a liability; it is simply an area that still needs improvement. He continues to be excellent with the puck on his stick. Smith’s combination of fakes, quick hands, and edge work allows him to manipulate defenders and create space from the blue line. He is a consistent offensive generator. Smith remains a long-term project, especially given the Ducks’ depth on the blue line. He will face an uphill battle to break into the NHL roster in the next few seasons due to the players he has to beat for the spots. Fantasy managers, particularly those in points leagues, should continue to monitor him closely. He offers an intriguing upside if his current development trajectory continues.

Smith was selected 79th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.

Smith has mostly gone under the radar, but a closer look at his game paints a different picture — one not fully encompassed by his 35 points in 52 WHL games with Everett.

Beyond the offensive performance, his emerging multi-cat game is coming to the forefront. His 143 blocks (9th in the WHL), 253 shots (8th best by a defenseman), 62.70% puck battle winning percentage (5th overall) and 60.3 net Xg (3rd overall) show a developing toolkit beyond the offense that raises his floor at higher levels.

Smith captained the Everett Silvertips to the WHL championship, and will take his talents to the University of Minnesota in the NCAA next season, and should be an acquisition target for you all summer long in your leagues.

April 2024 Tarin Smith is an offensive defenseman who is dynamic with the puck and creates off the rush using his feet and creative puckhandling to slip through defenders in highlight-reel fashion. He’s an intelligent passer but loves to take a volume of shots from the point. His defensive game is solid, though he’s prone to gaffes. Smith can work his way into an NHL lineup as long as he remains committed to defence, works on his lateral movement, and continues to find offense as a weak-side activator. Luke Sweeney

An incredibly intelligent defenceman, Smith supports play with area passes, constant scanning and timely offensive activation. His hands are surprisingly good, as he can dangle forwards from the blue line or even score goals when he gets a lane to the slot. Defensively, Smith identifies his checks and sticks to them like glue, and has gotten much better at boxing out the slot. His skating holds him back considerably in both directions, but if he can improve his edgework and weight transfers, there’s a clear path to a second-pairing, second power play role for Smith.