Floyd Smith's journey in professional hockey began in the mid-1950s, marking the start of a long and varied career in the sport. Born on May 16, 1935, in Perth, Ontario, Canada, Smith's early years in hockey were spent honing his skills in the junior leagues. His talent soon caught the attention of the Boston Bruins, who signed him to a contract. Smith made his NHL debut with the Bruins during the 1955-56 season, playing as a left winger.

Over the next few years, Smith's career saw him moving between the NHL and the minor leagues, a common path for many players of his era. He spent time with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he developed a reputation as a reliable and hardworking player. His perseverance paid off when he secured a more permanent spot in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings in the early 1960s.

Smith's tenure with the Red Wings was marked by steady performance and a strong work ethic. He played alongside some of the era's greats, contributing to the team's efforts both offensively and defensively. In 1967, the NHL expanded, and Smith was claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the expansion draft. His time with the Penguins was brief, as he was soon traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the Maple Leafs, Smith found a more stable role, becoming a regular fixture in their lineup. He played with Toronto until 1972, when he transitioned to the Buffalo Sabres. It was with the Sabres that Smith would eventually transition from player to coach, marking the beginning of the next phase of his hockey career.

In 1974, Smith retired from playing and immediately stepped behind the bench as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. His coaching career was highlighted by leading the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975, a remarkable achievement for the relatively young franchise. Although the Sabres fell to the Philadelphia Flyers, Smith's leadership during the playoffs was widely recognized.

Smith continued to coach the Sabres until 1977, after which he took on various roles within the organization, including serving as a scout and in player development. His deep understanding of the game and ability to evaluate talent made him a valuable asset to the teams he worked with.

In the 1980s, Smith returned to coaching, taking the helm of the Detroit Red Wings for a brief period. His coaching style was characterized by a focus on discipline and teamwork, principles he had adhered to throughout his playing days. After his stint with the Red Wings, Smith continued to work in hockey management and scouting, sharing his extensive knowledge of the game with the next generation of players.

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