Saskatchewan sends Jordi Jones-Smith to New York for 2023 second-round pick
Jordi Jones-Smith
The Saskatchewan Rush have traded defensemen Jordi Jones-Smith to the New York Riptide in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2023 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
A fifth-round selection of the New England Black Wolves in the 2015 draft, the Rush signed Smith as a free agent a few seasons later. Smith, who had previously played for long-time & still-serving Rush GM Derek Keenan with the Whitby Warriors (OJLL) and Saskatchewan Assistant Coach Jeremy Tallevi at Western University (CUFLA), had suited up in 38 games for the Rush over three seasons.
Derek Keenan, Saskatchewan Rush
“Real tough parting ways with a quality player and person like Jordi,” Keenan said in today’s team announcement. “I’ve known Jordi since he was eight years old and you won’t find a player with a better attitude.
“We just felt on the backend we need one or two of our younger guys to play. We thank Jordi for his efforts and commitment to the Rush organization.”
Earlier this offseason, the Rush re-signed unrestricted free agent Kyle Rubisch, but lost captain Chris Corbeil to the Toronto Rock via free agency and Jeff Cornwall during the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Expansion Draft. The team has a number of emerging high-end defensive players like Holden Garlent, Bobby Kidd III and Connor McClelland on their roster.
The only Rush defenders or transition players that still remain from their most recent Cup-winning season in 2018, are: Rubisch, Ryan Dilks and Mike Messenger.
After today’s trade, Saskatchewan has now secured four second-round selections in next year’s draft, plus still hold their own first-round pick.
The Riptide entered the offseason looking to improve their defensive end, the team giving up more goals during the 2022 regular season (226) than any other club in either conference.
Kevin Brownell (Photo: Ben Green)
After free agency officially opened, New York nabbed veteran defender Kevin Brownell, and earlier this month picked up highly regarded defensive prospect Zack Deaken eighth overall in the 2022 NLL Entry Draft.
“We are super excited to add Jordi to our maturing defense,” Veltman said in a team statement. “He has grown into an everyday NLL player that we feel will fit our style of aggressive defense.
“He also brings a team-first character that will be contagious amongst his teammates. His addition means that training camp just got even more competitive.”
In August, the Riptide acquired forward Reilly O’Connor in a deal with the Albany FireWolves, giving up Kieran McArdle in the trade, the two teams also swapping early first-round selections in this month’s draft.
Both the Rush and Riptide missed last year’s playoffs.