Story Summary
Esbjerg Energy have announced the signing of Canadian forward Gemel Smith, who is due to join the Metal Ligaen club once his work permit is in place. The 183cm forward can play at centre or on the wing and arrives with experience across North American and European hockey.
Smith played 91 NHL games, recording 12 goals and 25 points. His larger body of North American experience came in the AHL, where he collected 105 goals and 253 points in 386 games over nine seasons. He has also played in Germany’s DEL, the KHL and Slovakia’s top league.
Key Facts
- Gemel Smith will join Esbjerg Energy once his work permit has been approved.
- Smith is a Canadian forward from Toronto, Ontario, who can play both centre and wing.
- He recorded 12 goals and 25 points in 91 NHL games.
- Across nine AHL seasons, Smith played 386 games and produced 105 goals and 253 points.
- Smith has also played in the DEL, the KHL and the Slovak league.
- Esbjerg sporting director Philip Larsen said Smith’s experience, physicality and work around the net should benefit the squad.
IHM Discussion
The move gives Esbjerg an experienced forward option during the season rather than a player arriving straight from junior hockey or an unfamiliar professional background. Larsen highlighted Smith’s ability to use his size, skating and physicality, as well as his willingness to work in front of goal.
That profile is consistent with a player who has spent substantial time in demanding professional leagues. Smith’s 253 AHL points provide the clearest statistical indication of sustained production, while his NHL, DEL, KHL and Slovak experience points to a career spent adapting to different levels and styles of play. Esbjerg are adding that breadth of experience alongside a positional flexibility that allows him to be used either in the middle or on the wing.
Why It Matters
A mid-season arrival must first clear the practical hurdle of a work permit, then settle quickly into new linemates and team systems. Larsen acknowledged that joining a squad at this stage can be difficult, but Esbjerg believe Smith’s previous experience will help him make the adjustment.
His ability to play two forward positions gives the club another option when placing him in the lineup. The announced addition is also built around specific strengths: a physical presence, strong skating and net-front work, rather than simply his NHL background.
Mini Q&A
When will Gemel Smith join Esbjerg Energy?
Smith is expected to join Esbjerg once his work permit has been approved.
What is Smith’s NHL record?
He scored 12 goals and totalled 25 points in 91 NHL games.
Which positions can Smith play?
Smith can be used at either centre or wing.
What Comes Next
The immediate checkpoint is Smith’s work permit. Esbjerg have said he will come to the club as soon as that approval is ready, with his introduction to the squad and its systems to follow.
IHM Final View
Esbjerg are bringing in a well-travelled Canadian forward with a substantial AHL record and 91 games of NHL experience. The signing remains dependent on work-permit approval, but Smith’s capacity to play centre or wing and the physical attributes identified by the club make this a clearly defined addition to the Energy forward group.