Brendan Smith’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin

Brendan Smith is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who has played for several National Hockey League (NHL) teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Born on February 8, 1989, in Ontario, Canada, Smith grew up in the Mimico neighborhood of Toronto in a family with strong connections to professional sports.

His family includes his wife, Samantha Smith, their two children, Nolan and Ryenn Smith, his father, Lester Smith, his mother, Deidre Smith, and his two brothers, Rory and Reilly Smith.

Both of Brendan’s brothers became professional athletes, with Reilly establishing a successful NHL career and Rory playing professional lacrosse.

Smith also maintains strong memories of his late grandparents, whose support during his childhood inspired his involvement in cancer awareness and charitable activities.

Brendan Smith’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?

Brendan Smith is married to Samantha Smith, his longtime partner and the mother of their two children.

Their marriage is confirmed through multiple reports published by the NHL Players’ Association, Dallas Stars, and other hockey organizations.

Samantha has supported Brendan throughout his professional career, including his years with the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Although the couple has discussed their family life in interviews, Samantha generally maintains a private public profile.

Reliable information about her maiden name, occupation, educational background, and exact wedding date has not been independently established.

Who Is Samantha Smith?

Samantha Smith is the wife of NHL defenseman Brendan Smith.

She is the mother of their son Nolan and daughter Ryenn and has supported the family through several relocations required by Brendan’s hockey career.

In a 2024 interview published by The Hockey News, Brendan discussed how he and Samantha approached decisions about changing teams.

He explained that family stability had become increasingly important as their children grew older.

Before accepting new opportunities, the couple considered the quality of life, schooling, and community available to their children.

The family previously lived in New Jersey, where Brendan played for the Devils.

They later relocated to Texas when he joined the Dallas Stars in July 2024.

In 2025, Samantha and the children moved to the Columbus, Ohio, area while Brendan pursued another NHL opportunity.

How Samantha Supported Brendan Smith’s Career

Brendan has publicly credited Samantha with helping him manage the challenges of playing professional hockey while raising a family.

During the 2025 preseason, Smith signed a professional tryout agreement with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

After failing to secure an NHL roster position immediately, he continued training with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League.

Because his family was living in Central Ohio, Brendan frequently drove between Columbus and Cleveland to attend practices.

In a November 26, 2025, interview with the Blue Jackets, he described how his wife’s encouragement helped him remain committed to pursuing another NHL opportunity.

His determination eventually resulted in a one-year contract with Columbus.

Smith explained that sharing the achievement with Samantha and their children made his return to the NHL especially meaningful.

Brendan Smith’s Children

Brendan Smith and his wife, Samantha, have two children: a son named Nolan Smith and a daughter named Ryenn Smith.

Their children’s names and family relationships are confirmed by the Grand Rapids Griffins, The Hockey News, and other hockey publications.

Fatherhood has become an important part of Brendan’s personal life, influencing his career decisions and inspiring him to become involved in youth hockey coaching.

1. Nolan Smith: Brendan Smith’s Son

Nolan Smith is Brendan and Samantha’s first child.

He was born in June 2018, while his father was playing for the New York Rangers.

The NHL Players’ Association publicly confirmed his arrival in an article published on June 13, 2018.

At the time, Brendan was celebrating two important family milestones: becoming a father and watching his younger brother Reilly compete in the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights.

In the NHLPA interview, Brendan expressed excitement about Nolan’s birth and discussed the importance of maintaining strong family relationships.

Nolan Smith’s Interest in Hockey

Like his father and uncles, Nolan has developed an interest in ice hockey.

In November 2025, the Columbus Blue Jackets reported that Nolan, then seven years old, was participating in youth hockey activities at The Battery Hockey Academy in Ohio.

Brendan became involved in coaching his son’s team alongside other former NHL players.

The group included Rick Nash and Brandon Dubinsky, both of whom also had children participating in the program.

Smith explained that working with young players was particularly enjoyable because it allowed him to share his hockey knowledge while spending meaningful time with Nolan.

When Brendan signed his contract with Columbus in November 2025, Nolan was especially excited about seeing his father return to the NHL.

2. Ryenn Smith: Brendan Smith’s Daughter

Ryenn Smith is Brendan and Samantha’s second child and their only publicly documented daughter.

Her name is confirmed in a June 2023 article published by The Hockey News and a 2024 feature published by the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Griffins identified Ryenn as four years old in their 2024 profile, indicating that she was born around 2020.

However, her exact date of birth has not been reliably established through official hockey reporting.

Ryenn has experienced several family relocations because of her father’s NHL career.

She lived with her family in New Jersey before moving to Texas in 2024 and subsequently to Ohio.

Brendan has discussed how he and Samantha help their children adjust to new homes, schools, and communities.

He explained that being a father changed how he evaluated professional opportunities and made him more conscious of how his decisions affected his family.

How Fatherhood Changed Brendan Smith

Becoming a parent had a significant influence on Smith’s outlook.

In a 2024 interview with the Grand Rapids Griffins, he explained that having children made him more responsible and encouraged him to think carefully about major life decisions.

When he was younger, his professional ambitions were often the primary consideration when choosing where to play hockey.

After becoming a father, the happiness and stability of Samantha, Nolan, and Ryenn became increasingly important.

He also developed a greater appreciation for his own parents and grandparents, who had made similar sacrifices to help him pursue his sporting ambitions.

Brendan Smith’s Parents

Brendan Smith was born to Lester Smith and Deidre Smith, who raised him and his two brothers in the Mimico neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario.

Both parents worked in education and supported their sons’ involvement in hockey and lacrosse.

Their names and professional backgrounds are confirmed in a 2023 feature published by the Pittsburgh Penguins about Brendan’s younger brother Reilly.

Brendan Smith’s Father: Lester Smith

Lester Smith is Brendan’s father and an important influence on his sporting development.

He worked in education, including as a teacher and school administrator.

Alongside his wife, Deidre, Lester raised three sons who became successful professional athletes.

Brendan and Reilly pursued careers in the National Hockey League, while their older brother Rory developed into a professional lacrosse player.

Lester encouraged his children to remain active in sports and helped them attend practices, games, and tournaments.

In a 2014 interview published by The Hockey News, Brendan credited his parents with teaching the brothers discipline and the importance of working hard to achieve their goals.

How Lester Smith Supported His Sons

Raising three competitive athletes required considerable organization.

Each boy participated in hockey and lacrosse, often with practices or games scheduled at different locations.

Lester and Deidre coordinated transportation while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

They also received substantial assistance from Brendan’s paternal grandparents, Lester Smith Sr. and Joyce Smith.

According to an interview published by the New Jersey Devils in January 2024, Brendan’s grandfather frequently helped drive the boys to games.

The arrangement allowed all three brothers to participate in competitive sports despite their demanding schedules.

Brendan has repeatedly acknowledged that his father’s encouragement and his family’s commitment helped make his professional career possible.

Brendan Smith’s Mother: Deidre Smith

Deidre Smith is Brendan’s mother and another important figure in his upbringing.

She worked in education, with the family’s professional background including teaching and school administration.

Deidre raised Brendan, Rory, and Reilly alongside Lester in Toronto.

Like her husband, she supported the boys’ participation in competitive sports throughout childhood.

In an interview published by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Reilly expressed appreciation for the sacrifices his parents made while maintaining demanding careers.

He explained that their dedication allowed all three brothers to develop their athletic abilities and pursue professional opportunities.

Deidre also worked closely with the boys’ grandparents to organize daily activities.

The family’s strong support network allowed Brendan and his brothers to spend considerable time practicing hockey and lacrosse.

Brendan Smith’s Siblings

Brendan Smith has two brothers: Rory Smith and Reilly Smith.

Rory is the oldest, Brendan is the middle child, and Reilly is the youngest.

All three became professional athletes, making the Smith family unusual even within Canada’s competitive hockey community.

1. Rory Smith: Brendan Smith’s Older Brother

Rory Smith is Brendan’s older brother and a former professional lacrosse player.

Born in 1987, Rory grew up in Mimico alongside his younger brothers.

During childhood, the three boys participated in both ice hockey and lacrosse.

Rory eventually decided to focus primarily on lacrosse and pursued a career in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

He competed professionally for several NLL organizations and became known for his physical playing style.

Although Rory chose a different sport from his younger brothers, the siblings maintained a close relationship.

How Rory Smith Influenced Brendan’s Career

Rory played an important role in creating the competitive environment in which Brendan and Reilly grew up.

In a 2010 Grand Rapids Griffins interview, Brendan recalled that he and his brothers frequently played miniature hockey games in their basement.

The competitions were intense and sometimes resulted in broken household items.

Brendan explained that the brothers’ determination to win encouraged all three to become more competitive athletes.

Rory also played junior hockey alongside Brendan with the St. Michael’s Buzzers before focusing on professional lacrosse.

The brothers continued supporting one another as their careers developed.

2. Reilly Smith: Brendan Smith’s Younger Brother

Reilly Smith is Brendan’s younger brother and a professional ice hockey forward.

He was born on April 1, 1991, in Ontario, Canada.

Like Brendan, Reilly developed his hockey skills through youth programs in Toronto before playing junior and college hockey.

He attended Miami University in Ohio, where he became one of the school’s leading offensive players.

In the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars selected Reilly in the third round, 69th overall.

He subsequently played for several NHL teams, including the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers.

Brendan and Reilly Smith’s Relationship

Brendan and Reilly have maintained a particularly close relationship throughout their professional hockey careers.

In a November 2024 interview with the Dallas Stars, Brendan described his brothers as his closest friends.

He explained that he and Reilly regularly communicated about games, training, and personal matters.

Because both brothers played professionally in the NHL, they understood many of the pressures associated with competing at the highest level.

Their relationship became particularly interesting when they faced one another as opponents.

In the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Brendan played for the Detroit Red Wings while Reilly represented the Boston Bruins.

The series marked an important milestone for the family because the brothers competed against each other in the NHL postseason.

Reilly Smith’s Stanley Cup Victory

One of the most significant moments in Reilly’s career occurred in June 2023, when the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup.

Reilly contributed to the team’s championship victory and scored a goal in the decisive Game 5 against the Florida Panthers.

Brendan watched the championship game from his home in New Jersey with Samantha and their children, Nolan and Ryenn.

Following the victory, Brendan publicly congratulated his younger brother.

In an interview published by The Hockey News on June 14, 2023, he expressed pride in Reilly’s perseverance and accomplishments.

The championship was a memorable achievement for the entire Smith family.

Brendan Smith’s Grandparents

Brendan Smith has frequently spoken about the influence of his paternal grandparents, Lester Smith Sr. and Joyce Smith.

Both played important roles in raising Brendan and his brothers while their parents worked.

According to an October 2024 interview published by the NHL Players’ Association, the grandparents regularly helped with transportation, meals, and childcare.

Brendan Smith’s Grandfather: Lester Smith Sr.

Lester Smith Sr. was Brendan’s paternal grandfather.

He worked as a truck driver and frequently helped transport his grandsons to hockey and lacrosse activities.

Brendan recalled that his grandfather was an enthusiastic supporter who often exaggerated the boys’ performances when describing games to their parents.

He also helped care for the children when they were sick or their parents were working.

Lester Smith Sr. died on September 27, 2015, following breast cancer.

Brendan Smith’s Grandmother: Joyce Smith

Joyce Smith was Brendan’s paternal grandmother and another important influence on his childhood.

She regularly prepared meals for the boys and helped care for them while their parents worked.

Brendan remembered her as a loving and generous grandmother who always made sure the children had enough food.

She died from breast cancer on December 27, 2004, when Brendan was 15 years old.

Her death had a lasting emotional impact on the family.

How His Grandparents Inspired Brendan Smith’s Charity Work

The loss of both grandparents to breast cancer inspired Brendan Smith to support organizations helping people affected by the disease.

During his time with the New Jersey Devils, he became involved in fundraising initiatives connected with Hockey Fights Cancer.

In January 2024, Smith organized a charitable event called Kancer Jam, which brought together NHL players and supporters for a KanJam tournament.

According to the New Jersey Devils, the event raised more than $100,000 for an organization supporting families affected by cancer.

Smith explained that his grandparents had helped him reach the NHL and that supporting cancer-related charities was one way to honor their memory.

In October 2024, the NHLPA published another feature highlighting how their influence continued to shape his life.

Brendan Smith’s Childhood and Family Background

Brendan Smith grew up in Mimico, a Toronto neighborhood known for producing professional hockey and lacrosse players.

His family encouraged all three boys to participate in sports and develop their athletic interests.

During childhood, Brendan played hockey with local organizations before joining the St. Michael’s Buzzers.

He also enjoyed lacrosse and initially considered pursuing that sport professionally.

His competitive relationship with Rory and Reilly helped him improve his skills and develop the physical playing style that became part of his NHL identity.

Brendan eventually concentrated on hockey and attracted attention from major junior and NCAA programs.

He chose to attend the University of Wisconsin, where he played college hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Brendan Smith’s Professional Hockey Career

Brendan Smith was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the first round, 27th overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

After three seasons at the University of Wisconsin, he began his professional career with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

He made his NHL debut with Detroit during the 2011–12 season.

Smith subsequently established himself as an NHL defenseman capable of providing physical play, defensive depth, and leadership.

In February 2017, he was traded to the New York Rangers.

After spending several seasons in New York, he joined the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2021.

He later played two seasons with the New Jersey Devils before signing with the Dallas Stars in July 2024.

In November 2025, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets after beginning the season with their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

He appeared in 15 NHL games for Columbus during the 2025–26 season, recording two assists.

On January 6, 2026, he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee after suffering an injury against the Ottawa Senators.

His one-year contract expired following the 2025–26 season. Contract records subsequently listed him as an unrestricted free agent, with no new NHL contract publicly confirmed in the sources reviewed.

Throughout his professional journey, Smith has credited his wife, children, parents, brothers, and grandparents with helping him manage the demands of a lengthy hockey career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brendan Smith’s Family

Who is Brendan Smith’s girlfriend?

Brendan Smith is married to Samantha Smith. She is his wife rather than his girlfriend, and the couple have two children together.

Is Brendan Smith married?

Yes. Brendan Smith is married to Samantha Smith. Their marriage has been confirmed through interviews published by the NHLPA and several NHL organizations.

Who is Brendan Smith’s wife?

His wife is Samantha Smith, who has supported him throughout his NHL career and helped raise their children during several family relocations.

When did Brendan Smith get married?

Brendan and Samantha were already married by June 2018, when the NHL Players’ Association reported the birth of their first child. Their exact wedding date has not been reliably established.

Does Brendan Smith have children?

Yes. Brendan Smith and Samantha have two children: a son named Nolan and a daughter named Ryenn.

Who is Brendan Smith’s son?

His son is Nolan Smith, who was born in June 2018. Nolan has participated in youth hockey programs in Columbus, Ohio.

Who is Brendan Smith’s daughter?

His daughter is Ryenn Smith, who was born around 2020. Her name is confirmed by The Hockey News and the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Who are Brendan Smith’s parents?

Brendan Smith’s parents are Lester Smith and Deidre Smith. Both worked in education and raised three sons in the Mimico neighborhood of Toronto.

Who is Brendan Smith’s father?

His father is Lester Smith, a former educator and school administrator who supported Brendan and his brothers throughout their youth sporting careers.

Who is Brendan Smith’s mother?

His mother is Deidre Smith, who worked in education and helped raise three professional athletes alongside her husband.

Does Brendan Smith have siblings?

Yes. Brendan Smith has two brothers: Rory Smith and Reilly Smith.

Who is Brendan Smith’s older brother?

His older brother is Rory Smith, a former professional lacrosse player who competed in the National Lacrosse League.

Who is Brendan Smith’s younger brother?

His younger brother is Reilly Smith, an NHL forward who won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.

Are Brendan Smith and Reilly Smith brothers?

Yes. Brendan and Reilly Smith are biological brothers. They grew up in Toronto and both became professional NHL players.

Does Brendan Smith have a sister?

No sister has been identified in reliable family biographies. Brendan is the middle child of three brothers.

Who were Brendan Smith’s grandparents?

His paternal grandparents were Lester Smith Sr. and Joyce Smith. Both helped raise Brendan and his brothers and later died from breast cancer.

Where is Brendan Smith’s family from?

The Smith family comes from Mimico, a neighborhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The family also has connections to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, through Brendan’s paternal grandparents.

What NHL team does Brendan Smith play for?

Brendan Smith most recently played for the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2025–26 season. His contract expired afterward, and available contract records list him as an unrestricted free agent.