Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today signed its 2018 first-round pick, 17th overall selection, Ty Smith, to a three-year, entry-level contract. The announcement was made by Devils' Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

The 18-year-old defenseman completed his second WHL season with Spokane in 2017-18, setting career highs across the board with 14 goals, 59 assists for 73 points and 30 penalty minutes with a +44 rating in 69 games. His assist and point totals were the second highest in the WHL among rearguards. He registered a franchise record with seven points (2g-5a) in a game on February 23, 2018 versus Prince George. Smith was also named to the WHL First All- Star Team, earned WHL Scholastic Player of the Year honors and served as the Chiefs Alternate Captain. The native of Lloydminster, Alberta served as an Alternate Captain for Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the 2018 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and captained Team Canada's IIHF U18 World Championship Team.

In 2016-17, Smith won a silver medal with Team Canada at the U17 WHC in 2017, while being named to the All-Star Team. The left-shooting blue-liner spent 2015-16 with Lloydminster Midget AAA, where he was named to the AMHL First All-Star team and Top Defenseman while helping the Bobcats win the AMHL championship.

Born on March 24, 2000, the 5-11, 175lb. Smith attended the New Jersey Devils Development Camp in July.