Neil Smith is a former professional ice hockey player and executive who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played as a defenseman for the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1970s and 1980s, winning two Stanley Cup championships with the latter team in 1991 and 1992.
After retiring as a player, Smith transitioned into management and became the general manager of the New York Rangers in 1989. He held this position for 11 seasons, during which time he helped lead the team to its first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years in 1994. Smith also made several key trades and signings that helped the Rangers become a perennial playoff contender, including acquiring Mark Messier from the Edmonton Oilers in 1991.
In 2000, Smith left the Rangers to become the president and general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He helped build the team into a playoff contender, but was fired in 2002 after a disappointing season. Smith then worked as a television analyst for several years before returning to management as the general manager of the New York Islanders in 2006. However, he was fired after just one season due to disagreements with ownership.
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his shrewd negotiating skills and ability to make bold moves to improve his teams. He was also a strong advocate for player safety and was instrumental in implementing new rules to reduce head injuries in the NHL. Despite some ups and downs in his career, Smith is widely regarded as one of the most successful executives in NHL history.
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