On April 15th, the New Jersey Devils hosted the New York Islanders at Prudential Center for their 2023-24 season finale. It would mark Brendan Smith 's final game wearing the Devils' logo.
The veteran defenseman hoped his tenure with the Devils would continue as there was a desire to stay in New Jersey. But before the opening day of free agency, the unrestricted free agent was hit with the feeling that he suited up for his final game alongside team captain Nico Hischier .
"I think it was about three weeks before free agency that I had the feeling that (the April 15th) game was my last game," Smith said in a phone interview with The Hockey News ," but up until that point, I really thought there was going to be a chance that I'd be coming back. But it is a business, and it did not work out that way."
Hours into free agency, the 35-year-old signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Dallas Stars , a team considered a contender this upcoming season.
In an instant, Smith was removed from the Devils team site, as his player's page shifted to the Stars' website.
If only life's transitions were that simple.
In addition to being a professional hockey player, Smith is a husband to his wife Samantha and a father of two young children - Nolan and Ryenn.
Together, Brendan and Samantha explained to their children that they would be leaving the place they had happily called home for the past two years.
"It is challenging (to have those conversations with the kids), but for whatever reason, I think my kids understand. My wife is so supportive, and we talk them through it, and they trust what we say," he said.
This was not the first time Smith hit the open market as a free agent. In 2021, he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in free agency, and of course, with New Jersey in 2022.
Despite being familiar with the process, it does not get easier.
"I think it is actually tougher now than it was earlier in my career," Smith said. "With my family and everything, you get settled in, your kids go to school, and they have their friends. I think, in general, life becomes a little bit more difficult to move."
When breaking into the league, players may have a girlfriend or significant other who joins them and follows their career, but eventually, there is a switch. The relationship becomes more serious; vows are exchanged, children enter the picture, and suddenly, the player's decision-making process changes.
Smith experienced this off-ice evolution firsthand when he added husband and father to his resume.
"The decisions of where we were going to be and how we were going to deal with things were mine," Smith said. "It was strictly what I felt was best, probably for myself, and I know that sounds selfish, but it was kind of where we were in our lives at that time.
"Now, it is a 50/50 decision, and we make it together and do what we think is best," he continued. "When you are younger, you are kind of chasing the dollar a little bit, and now we are chasing whatever makes the most sense and what feels best for our family. It is kind of funny, the transition of life as you get older. You have to mature and understand what is ahead of you and what makes the most sense for your kids and your wife."
It is a bonus when what is best for the family aligns with what the player is looking for on the ice.
After 694 career NHL games, Smith still dreams of winning the Stanley Cup - the same dream he's had since he was four years old, playing hockey in the basement with his brothers. With Dallas, he has a chance of achieving it.
"(The Stars) are a great team. They have older guys mixed in with younger guys and a great goalie. (It is a) good organization (from the) general manager (to the) coaching staff," he said. "I think I will play a lot of games this year, and I want to be part of a team that is a contender, so I think it will be a good fit for us."
It is another chapter in the Smith's family book, one that will include no state tax, warmer weather, and a pool for young Nolan and Ryenn.
With the excitement of what's to come, there is a period of reflection on what the past two years have meant to Smith and his wife.
"We really enjoyed our time in Westifeld and the community in New Jersey," he said. "I hosted the Kancer Jam Event and being part of the community and having that connection meant a lot to myself and my family.
Related: Devils’ Brendan Smith’s Kancer Jam Event Surpasses Goal and Raises Over $100,000
"My connection with the team and how they all showed up for me means so much and shows so much about what the New Jersey Devils players are all about. I thought that was amazing."
It was not in the cards for Smith to return to New Jersey, despite being his wish at the time, but as Alexander Graham Bell said, "When one door closes, another door opens."
Smith will return to Prudential Center on Saturday, February 22nd when the Devils host the Stars at 6:00 P.M.
Related: The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes
Related: Devils’ Brendan Smith Opens Up About Using His Platform to Help Others Ahead of Kancer Jam Event
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