Clint Smith Hall of Fame NHL

Clint Smith was a gifted playmaker and two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner known for his smooth passing and disciplined play. A center who played from 1936 to 1947, Smith spent time with the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks. In an era defined by toughness, he stood out for his finesse, intelligence, and sportsmanship. In the 1943–44 season, he tallied 72 points, setting a new NHL record at the time for most points in a single season.

That year, he centered a line with future legends Bill Mosienko and Doug Bentley, forming one of the league's most dangerous trios. Smith finished his career with an impressively low penalty total, demonstrating extraordinary control and class on the ice. His contributions as both a top-line center and a model professional earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, honoring a career that combined skill, leadership, and integrity.

Smith's Awards and Records

• 2× Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1939, 1944)
• Led NHL in assists (1943–44) with 49
• Set NHL single-season points record (72 points in 1943–44) at the time
• Known for extremely low penalty minutes (only 24 in 483 games)
• Played on Chicago’s “Pony Line” with Bill Mosienko and Doug Bentley

NHL Records

• First NHL player to record over 70 points in a season
• Set NHL single-season assist record in 1943–44 with 49 assists
• Held NHL single-season points record (1943–44)
• Career penalty minutes: only 24 in 483 games
• Two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner — awarded for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct

NHL Teams:

New York Rangers (1937-1943)
Chicago Black Hawks (1943-1947)