Casey DeSmith Bio
Casey DeSmith is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 13, 1991, in Rochester, New Hampshire, DeSmith began his professional career in 2015 and has since established himself as a skilled and resilient player in both the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL). He holds the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins record for most saves in a playoff game and has earned recognition such as the AHL’s 2016–17 All-Rookie Team and the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award.
Early Life and Background
Casey DeSmith was born in Rochester, New Hampshire, and played junior hockey in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) league for Berwick Academy from 2006 to 2008. After a season at Deerfield Academy, he joined the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League, where he posted a 0.911 save percentage and three shutouts over 64 games. DeSmith attended the University of New Hampshire, studying business while playing for the Wildcats from 2011 to 2014. During his college career, he earned several weekly honors and recorded a career-high 50 saves in a Hockey East quarterfinal game. However, his college hockey career was cut short due to legal issues, and he was dismissed from the team.
Path to Hockey
After his college career ended, DeSmith was undrafted and considered undersized for a goaltender. Despite these challenges, he signed with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL in 2015. His strong performances there and with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL earned him an AHL contract in 2016. His early professional years were marked by steady development and notable achievements, including setting a playoff saves record and earning awards for his goaltending.
Casey DeSmith Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
DeSmith began his professional career with the Wheeling Nailers in the 2015–16 season, posting a 5–2–2 record and a .915 save percentage. He was loaned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL, where he made an immediate impact by winning his first start and recording a shutout later that season. He set a franchise record for most saves in a playoff game with 59 saves in double overtime. His strong performance led to a full AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2016. During the 2016–17 season, DeSmith led the league with a 2.01 goals against average and a .926 save percentage, earning a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team and sharing the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award for the lowest goals against average.
Pittsburgh Penguins Breakthrough (2017–2023)
In July 2017, DeSmith signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He made his NHL debut in October 2017 and recorded his first NHL win and shutout during the 2017–18 season. DeSmith established himself as a reliable backup goaltender, competing for playing time with Tristan Jarry and Matt Murray. He signed a three-year contract extension with Pittsburgh in 2019. The 2020–21 season saw him serve as the full-time backup, compiling an 11–7–0 record. In the 2022 playoffs, DeSmith stepped in as the starting goaltender due to injury but had to exit a key game due to injury himself, requiring surgery and missing the remainder of the playoffs. He re-signed with the Penguins in 2022 on a two-year contract.
Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars Era (2023–Present)
In 2023, DeSmith was involved in two trades, moving first to the Montreal Canadiens and then to the Vancouver Canucks, where he played during the 2023–24 season. On July 1, 2024, he signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars, marking the next chapter in his NHL career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Casey DeSmith is known for his resilience and strong positional play as a goaltender. His ability to perform under pressure is highlighted by his record-setting playoff performances. DeSmith’s craft includes quick reflexes and effective puck tracking, complemented by solid communication with his defense and coaching staff.
Notable Events and Milestones
DeSmith’s career milestones include setting the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins record for most saves in a playoff game and earning the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award. His first NHL shutout helped the Penguins secure home ice advantage for the 2018 playoffs. Overcoming early career challenges, DeSmith has demonstrated perseverance and growth throughout his professional journey.
Casey DeSmith Career Wins
Casey DeSmith has accumulated numerous wins across the ECHL, AHL, and NHL, showcasing consistent performance at each level. His playoff record and regular-season successes reflect his development into a dependable NHL goaltender.
AHL Highlights
DeSmith’s AHL career includes 29 games in the 2016–17 season where he led the league in goals against average and save percentage. His playoff performances were instrumental in his team’s success, earning him league honors and recognition as one of the top rookies.
Other Wins and Performances
In the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, DeSmith contributed to the team’s Eastern Conference championship in 2015–16. His early professional wins laid the foundation for his advancement to the NHL.
Casey DeSmith Family
Personal Life
Public information about Casey DeSmith’s personal life, including family and marital status, is limited. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with the Dallas Stars, Casey DeSmith is expected to bring veteran experience and stability to the team’s goaltending. His recent contract reflects the Stars’ confidence in his abilities. The upcoming season will be pivotal for DeSmith to solidify his role and contribute to the team’s competitive goals.