Jackson Smith

June 2025 – Selected 14th overall, Jackson Smith is now a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mark Henry

Final Rankings – Jackson Smith has all the physical tools needed to thrive as an NHL defenseman. He isn’t afraid to lay the body, and his explosive skating enables him to be a suffocating rush defender and dynamic transition player. With a little refinement and some improved processing, the sky’s the limit.—Collin Wilcox

January 2025 – If Jackson Smith isn’t the number one eligible defenceman from the WHL, he’s got an excellent case to be it.  Jackson Smith possesses many of the things that people look for in a “modern” NHL defenseman. He’s got exceptional four-way mobility, and he uses it to the maximum extent. Smith uses agility, balance, and deceptive footwork to push the puck up ice, and his smooth, powerful edges to close gaps early in rushes. Earlier in the year, he was prone to overthinking and overhandling the puck, but recently he’s cleaned that up. If you’re looking for a rush defender, who can move the puck with his feet and create with an elite skill package, Smith may be your man.-Luke Sweeney