Playing Career
Smith was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft in the 6th round, 111th overall. He began his NHL career in 1985, playing in 55 regular season games and six playoff games. On April 30, 1986 (his 23rd birthday), Smith and the Oilers were playing in Game 7 of the Smythe Division Final against the arch-rival Calgary Flames. With 14:46 remaining in the third period, and the score tied at two, he made a pass from behind his own net that ricocheted off goaltender Grant Fuhr and into the Edmonton net. The Oilers never recovered and ultimately lost the series, while Calgary went on to the Stanley Cup Finals. Flames forward Perry Berezan was credited with scoring this series-clinching goal. The next season, after winning their third Stanley Cup, Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky chose to hand the cup to Smith before any others.
Smith played for Edmonton until the end of the 1990–91 season, winning three Stanley Cups with the team. He then played for the Chicago Blackhawks until 1997. After announcing his retirement due to injury following the 1996–97 NHL season, he made a comeback and played three seasons with the Calgary Flames, retiring for good in December 2000.
Smith was responsible for a season-ending injury to Pavel Bure's knee on November 9, 1995.
Read more about this topic: James Stephen Smith
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