© Michael Martin/NHLI

EDINA, Minn. — It was only four months of an NHL career that will enter a 12th season, but it was enough time for Nate Schmidt to realize how much he enjoyed playing under coach Paul Maurice.

The 32-year-old defenseman, having gained valuable experience with the Winnipeg Jets in the 2021-22 season, made the decision to sign a one-year contract on July 3. This time, he chose to play for Maurice once again, but with the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Schmidt expressed his highest moments in Winnipeg as being under the guidance of Paul Maurice. Speaking at Da Beauty League, a summer league that brings together collegiate and NHL players connected to Minnesota, Schmidt emphasized Maurice’s ability to comprehend his playing style and extract the best performance from his players. Schmidt felt a strong sense of comfort with Maurice and the team, and now his sole focus is on pursuing a championship ring. Winning is all Schmidt desires, and he eagerly seeks to contribute to the team’s success.

On July 1, Schmidt entered the free agency market as his contract with the Vegas Golden Knights was bought out by the Jets. The original contract was for six years and worth $35.7 million, with an average annual value of $5.95 million. Schmidt initially signed this contract on Oct. 24, 2018, and was subsequently traded to the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 12, 2020. Ultimately, he was traded again to the Winnipeg Jets on July 27, 2021.

Maurice’s tenure as the Jets coach concluded after nine seasons when he resigned on December 17, 2021, citing the need for a fresh perspective. However, he was subsequently employed by the Florida team on June 22, 2022.

Schmidt was acquired by the Washington Capitals on June 21, 2017 as an undrafted free agent. Throughout his career with the Capitals, Golden Knights, Canucks, and Jets, he has accumulated a total of 220 points (47 goals and 173 assists) in 661 regular-season games. In addition, Schmidt has also contributed 28 points (seven goals and 21 assists) in 76 playoff games.

In the previous season, he managed to accumulate a total of 14 points, consisting of two goals and 12 assists, throughout 63 regular-season games for Winnipeg. Additionally, he also scored one goal during the three playoff games.

Schmidt expressed his experience of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2018 with Vegas, where they unfortunately lost to Washington in a five-game series. He emphasized the immense difficulty of the journey and highlighted that the true realization of one’s desire to win only sets in when they find themselves far from the possibility of achieving it again.

All I desire is an opportunity, the very thing every young kid yearns for. An opportunity to vie for the prestigious Stanley Cup. I cannot express enough gratitude for being granted this chance in Florida.

Schmidt knows a roster spot won’t come easy. The Panthers re-signed defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to a four-year contract on July 1, and have veteran mainstay Aaron Ekblad, emerging standout Gustav Forsling and up-and-comers Tobias Bjornfot and Matt Kiersted.

Schmidt stated that when you join the champions, your immediate goal should be securing that roster spot. He added that he needs to shift his mindset back into the competitive mode and strive to endure the rigorous training, which has been his driving force throughout this summer.

Schmidt is most excited about joining a team that enters the season as defending champions because there is no greater motivation.

“I am becoming a part of a successful team that has achieved the ultimate victory,” he remarked. “I need to elevate my game. Being the defending champions, the path ahead will be more challenging. Sustaining that level of excellence is no easy task. However, it is crucial for a young and talented group to strive for the same confidence and attitude they displayed throughout the year.”

“They possessed an undeniable confidence, exuding the attitude of ‘We will surpass your efforts, we will outshine your competition.’ Such a mindset is truly remarkable. It cannot be fabricated; and that’s precisely why I am thrilled to become a part of this Florida team.”