Akira Schmid, born May 12, 2000, in Switzerland, is a professional ice hockey player. As of January 2025, he is playing as a goaltender for the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. Schmid is under contract with the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Schmid made history as the first goaltender to debut in the NHL directly from the USHL.
During the 2022-23 season, he secured his first NHL win (vs. Philadelphia Flyers), recording his first shutout with the Devils. In the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he delivered two shutouts, including one in a decisive Game 7 victory against the New York Rangers. Internationally, Schmid represented Switzerland at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, earning a silver medal.
Akira Schmid contract breakdown
According to Spotrac, Akira Schmid signed a 2-year, $1,750,000 contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The deal includes a $100,000 signing bonus and guarantees $1,750,000 in earnings. The average annual salary is $875,000. Schmid will become a restricted free agent (RFA) after the 2025-26 season.
| Season | Age | Status | Cap Hit | League Cap | Cash Salary | Cumulative Earnings |
| 2024-25 | 24 | Buried | $875,000 | $875,000 | $875,000 | $875,000 |
| 2025-26 | 25 | Active | $875,000 | $875,000 | $875,000 | $1,750,000 |
| Total | $1,750,000 | $1,750,000 |
Akira Schmid salary
His total contract value is $1,750,000, with an average annual salary of $875,000 as per Spotrac.
How much of Akira Schmid’s contract is guaranteed?
Akira Schmid's contract is fully guaranteed at $1,750,000. It includes a guaranteed amount of $1,750,000 over the two years.
Akira Schmid's career earnings
Akira Schmid's career earnings through 2024 total $2,225,276 as per Spotrac.
Akira Schmid's contract history
Akira Schmid has signed two significant contracts in his NHL career so far. His first contract was a three-year entry-level deal with the New Jersey Devils, followed by a two-year deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. Below is a detailed breakdown of his contract history as per Spotrac:
| Year Signed | Team | Contract Length | Total Value | Signing Bonus | Guaranteed | Average Annual Salary | Free Agent Status |
| 2021 | New Jersey Devils | 3 years | $2,775,000 | $277,500 | $2,775,000 | $925,000 | 2024 / RFA |
| 2024 | Vegas Golden Knights | 2 years | $1,750,000 | $100,000 | $1,750,000 | $875,000 | 2026 / RFA |
FAQs on Akira Schmid
A. Akira Schmid was traded by the New Jersey Devils to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024.
A. Schmid made history as the first goaltender to debut in the NHL directly from the USHL.
A.The Vegas Golden Knights acquired Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid in a trade with the New Jersey Devils. In exchange, the Devils received forward Paul Cotter and a 2025 third-round draft pick.
