Ladislav Smid is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He began his career in the Czech Extraliga before being drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Smid made his NHL debut with the Ducks in the 2006-2007 season, but was traded to the Edmonton Oilers midway through the following season. He quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman for the Oilers, playing in over 70 games in each of his first three full seasons with the team.
Known for his physical play and shot-blocking ability, Smid was a key part of the Oilers' defense during their playoff run in the 2011-2012 season. However, injuries began to take a toll on his performance in the following years, and he was eventually traded to the Calgary Flames in 2013.
Smid played two more seasons with the Flames before being forced to retire due to a neck injury in 2016. Over the course of his NHL career, he played in 583 games, scoring 15 goals and 65 assists while accumulating 429 penalty minutes.
Off the ice, Smid was known for his charitable work, particularly with the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton. He also represented the Czech Republic in international competition, winning a bronze medal at the 2011 IIHF World Championships.
Overall, Ladislav Smid had a successful career as a hard-nosed defenseman in the NHL, earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike for his toughness and dedication to the game.
🏒