Anaheim Ducks select Tarin Smith No. 79 overall in 2024 NHL Draft

On Saturday at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the Anaheim Ducks took defenseman Tarin Smith in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft, No. 79 overall.

Smith spent the 2023-24 campaign with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he registered eight goals and 36 assists for 44 points in 67 games. Among Silvertips skaters, Smith ranked eighth in points and first among defensemen.

Smith is an intriguing player due to the fact he missed all but eight games during the 2022-23 season due to an injury. Rest assured, he bounced back and is looking better than ever. Smith possesses a flashy and swagger style to his game with an offensive lean. 

When I asked a WHL GM to describe Smith’s game he said, “Makar-esque. One of the flashiest players in the CHL.”

When you read around on scouting reports, much like Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis’ Top-120, it’s no secret that many believe Smith can become of the better value picks of the draft and potentially a top-four defenseman at the NHL level.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis, rated Smith as the No. 68 best-ranked prospect.

“There’s no consensus for Smith this year, with some liking him as a second-rounder while others are thinking third or fourth. The intelligent defenseman missed nearly all of 2022-23, scoring just one goal in eight games. This year, he had 44 points in 67 games, wasting no time making up for lost time – especially on the power play. His shoulder looks to be in good shape, and if he can stay healthy, there’s a chance he’ll become one of the better value picks in the draft.”