Wyatt Smith, who has played in 83 games over the last five NHL seasons with Nashville and Phoenix, has signed a contract with the New York Islanders, affiliate of the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
The speedy and versatile checking center will report to Islanders training camp when it opens on Sept. 12 and is expected to provide the organization with depth at forward. Smith was the fourth-leading scorer last season with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL), recording 47 points (19g, 28a) and 89 penalty minutes in 69 games.
“Wyatt’s a player I’ve liked for a while,” said Islanders pro scout Kevin Maxwell. “He’s got excellent speed and a lot of drive, and our feeling is you can’t have enough guys like that on the roster.”
In 312 career AHL games with Milwaukee and Springfield, Smith has recorded 94 goals and 127 assists for 221 points. He was a member of the Admirals’ Calder Cup championship team in 2004.
The 28-year-old Smith was originally selected by Phoenix in the ninth round of 1997 NHL Entry Draft. The native of Thief River Falls, Minn., played four seasons at the University of Minnesota.