Mike Smith (ice hockey born 1945)

Michael A. Smith (born 1945 in Potsdam, New York) is a former American college hockey player, professional coach and front office executive who has worked with the original Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Since 2003, Smith has worked as a scout and with two companies specializing in hockey analytics.

Smith was born and raised in Potsdam and attended Potsdam Central High School where he was on the hockey team. Smith earned a bachelor of science degree in social sciences at Clarkson University, where he also played hockey. He then transferred to Syracuse University where he earned a doctorate in sociology. While in graduate school at Syracuse, he was the head coach for two seasons at Christian Brothers Academy.

In 1979, Smith had his first job with the Winnipeg Jets, when he was hired as coach of the Tulsa farm team. He would spend fourteen years in the Jets organization, where he became best known as a pioneer in bringing Russian players into the league. He became director of scouting, then assistant general manager after Michael Doran, the then assistant general manager, was injured in an automobile accident in November 1984. In September 1988, the Jets fired John Ferguson, giving the GM job to Smith on an interim basis before making him the permanent General Manager in December. Smith was manager of the Jets from 1988 to 1994.

Smith worked as a scout for the Chicago Blackhawks and assisted the USA Hockey program until August 1997, when Smith was appointed the associate General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Anders Hedberg was also made Personnel Director. A couple of Smith's noteworthy non-player moves during his time with the Leafs were the hiring of Pat Quinn as head coach and managing assistant Mike Kitchen. Despite the 28 point turnaround and franchise record in wins, Smith's contract wasn't renewed.

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