Cole Smith signs with the Chicago Blackhawks on the first day of the NHL’s free agency period, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $9 million, according to reports by Frank Seravalli and other outlets. The deal is structured to run through the 2028–29 season. Smith, 30, joins Chicago after time with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he contributed as part of the team’s forward group. Multiple reports describe the signing as an addition to the Blackhawks’ depth, particularly their bottom-six forward corps. Another outlet characterizes Smith as ready to begin his next chapter with Chicago, framing the move as the start of a new NHL chapter for the player after his most recent stint. All accounts agree on the core contract terms—length and total value—as well as the timing of the agreement during the opening window of the league’s free agency. The signing adds to Chicago’s roster for the coming seasons as Smith transitions to the Blackhawks.