(Photo credit: NHL com)

By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18

The Boston Bruins are one month away from playing their first preseason game for the upcoming 2026-27 National Hockey League season against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden on Sept. 20. However, the Bruins have suffered a loss on the coaching staff, as it was announced earlier today that Ben Smith is leaving to join the Boston College Eagles as an assistant coach.

Smith, 38, served as the player development coach for the Bruins last season after he last played hockey in the DEL with the Munich EHC in the 2024-25 season. Smith last played an NHL game during the 2016-17 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Smith is returning to his alma mater, where he had success wearing the Eagles sweater. Smith was part of Boston College’s 2008 and 2010 National Championship teams, and he graduated from the school in 2010. Smith totaled 122 points in 165 games during his four seasons played at Boston College from 2006 to 2010, and served as an alternate captain during the 2009-10 season.

Smith recorded 54 points in 237 games while playing for four different teams in his seven-year NHL career. Smith was part of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2013 Stanley Cup championship team. Now, Smith is gone from the Bruins and is joining Greg Brown’s coaching staff at Boston College.