Cup Champion Gives Up on North America and Signs in the KHL

A Cup champ has ditched North America for Russia and a bigger role.

Smith Signs In The KHL

Throughout his NHL career, Gemel Smith has bounced between the NHL and the AHL. He has 91 career games in the NHL and 25 total points but has much better numbers in the AHL.

Today, it was announced that he would be leaving North America for the KHL in Russia.

Smith's NHL Legacy

Despite his relatively short NHL career, Smith has proved to have quote a notable career. He has won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning earning the joy of hoisting the Cup.


On top of winning a Stanley Cup, Smith was a part of the first all-black line in NHL history.


He also was able to play with his brother, Givani, in Detroit.


Overall, Smith has had an amazing career in North America and will look for a larger role in Russia in hopes of a potential NHL return down the road and potentially more Stanley Cups.

As seen on Blade of Steel - Former Stanley Cup champion leaves North America, signs in KHL