Born: | May 16, 1935 | Draft: | Undrafted |
Hometown: | Perth, Ontario | Position: | Right Wing |
Known For: | 2x Calder Cup Champion | Shoots: | Right |
National Team: | Canada | Current Status: | Retired |
Floyd Smith (born May 16, 1935) is a retired Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres during the 1971-72 season. Smith began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins, spending parts of three seasons with the organization but primarily used with their AHL affiliate Hershey Bears. He spent five years with the New York Rangers, spending most of his time with the Springfield Indians and producing at a point-per-game pace in four of the five years. Smith got his chance with the Detroit Red Wings, appearing in 347 games, but he was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 1968 Trade Deadline.
Towards the end of the 1960s, Smith played in two seasons with the Leafs and was selected by the Sabres in the 1970 expansion draft. Smith became the Sabres’ first-ever captain in franchise history, putting up 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 77 games during their inaugural season. Smith went on to play six more games the following season before announcing his retirement.
Smith continued his journey in hockey with a coaching career that included serving as the head coach for the Sabres for several years, as well as one year with the Leafs. A car accident forced Smith to relieve himself of his duties with the Leafs as head coach, however he remained with the organization in a scouting role. He held the position as scout until the late 1980s, and went on to become their general manager for two seasons.
Floyd Smith Statistics
Trade Tracker
Date | Traded From | Traded With | Traded To | Traded For |
Mar. 3, 1968 | Doug Barrie Paul Henderson Norm Ullman | Carl Brewer Frank Mahovlich Pete Stemkowski Garry Unger |
Deeper Dive
- Former Sabres Captains Help Kick off Franchise’s 50th Season
- 50 Years Ago in Hockey: Late Goals Power Wings Past Habs
Staff History
- Buffalo Sabres (Assistant Coach) 1971-1972
- Buffalo Sabres (Head Coach) 1971-1972, 1974-1977
- Cincinnati Swords, AHL (Head Coach) 1972-1974
- Cincinnati Stingers, WHA (Head Coach) 1978-1979
- Toronto Maple Leafs (Head Coach) 1979-1980
- Toronto Maple Leafs (Scout) 1980-1989
- Toronto Maple Leafs (General Manager) 1989-1991
Achievements
- 2x AHL Calder Cup Champion (1960, 1962)
- 2x AHL Second All-Star Team (1960, 1962)
- AHL Most Goals (Willie Marshall Award) (41) (1962)