Observations:

March 2014 – There seems to be hardly any scenario that sees Smith excluded from playing in the NHL for the Red Wings at this point. He has more upside to offer but will grow into it as he fully matures as an NHL fixture in ‘Hockeytown’. Currently he is barely hold-able on a strong fantasy squad, but within a year or two he will be legitimate staple to own going forward. Jason Banks

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March 2014 – When you tuned into watch the Red Wings take on the Maple Leafs on March 18th you may have been wondering why you saw a number 2, Brendan Smith, a defenseman buzzing in the offensive zone so frequently. Well that’s because Smith made his NHL debut upfront for Detroit playing on the left wing of a makeshift fourth line. With as many as 8 forward regulars out due to injury the Wings are willing to try anything to help kickstart the team back to it’s usual winning ways. This has been a frustrating and trying year for Hockeytown but with all the injuries it has given Detroit’s prospects and young regulars increased roles and opportunities.  The former University of Wisconsin star defenseman currently sits third on the team for defenseman scoring with three goals and 12 assists to date. Although this may be viewed as disappointment for many poolies, Smith still has the 4-5 category stud potential and is someone to continue to keep an eye on. Travis Watson

November 2013 – Smith is set to return to action on November 19th when the Wings take to the ice against the visiting Nashville Predators. Detroit has been dealing with a rash of injuries and because of that appear to be toying with the idea of dressing seven defencemen to make up for the loss upfront. Smith will be returning to action for the first time in two weeks since suffering a slightly separated shoulder after an altercation with Edmonton’s Will Acton. Ironically the Wings have yet to win a game since Smith went down and have lost five straight decisions in the extra frame or shootout. Smith will look to help change that trend and get the Wings back to their winning ways reminiscent to their 23 straight home wins a record set just last season. Travis Watson

July 2013 – The Red Wings were able to avoid arbitration with Smith by signing him to a two-year $2.525 million dollar contract. This move helps solidify the Wings back end barring any trades while also locking up a key piece for their future. Travis Watson

March 2013 – Smith has seemed to secure himself a long term spot in Detroit with his responsible play. He is currently averaging over 18 minutes-per-game and has a plus-5 rating. A shoulder injury derailed his season for a few weeks, but he has come back strong. The offence is yet to show up, being in Detroit he will need to wait and prove himself in the system before he will be given rare power play assignments as Detroit likes to use four forwards and Nicklas Kronwall when possible, with Jon Ericsson, Jakub Kindl, Ian White (when he plays) and Carlo Colaiacovo (when healthy) ahead of him. Jason Banks

December 2012 – Smith continues to be a stud and an anchor on a solid Grand Rapids team. He is second on the team in plus/minus to veteran Brennan Evans, while leading a stable offence from the backend. (Chad Billings has one more point than Smith, but has only a single point in 13 contests) Smith is very likely to be recalled as one of seven defensemen the Red Wings will use. But he could be platooning with others if he is not getting enough regular minutes to continue development. Helping the Griffins be successful and logging 25 or more minutes per night is a better situation than sitting in the press-box as a seventh defenseman in the NHL. Jason Banks

December 2012 – Smith has been outstanding for Grand Rapids and will be in Detroit as soon as NHL play resumes. The feisty defender has three goals and nine assists in 17 AHL contests, and also has 24 penalty minutes. His offensive production may drop slightly in the NHL, but his penalty minutes will not. Rich Dillon

February 2012 – Brendan Smith is an offensive defenseman who plays with an edge. He is in his second season of apprenticeship in Grand Rapids of the AHL, although he would likely be a regular in the NHL in another organization. Smith is a very good skater with excellent vision and puck skills. Rich Dillon

Fantasy Outlook: A

Smith will be a fixture on the Detroit blue line, and power play, for years to come. He will contribute points, and also penalty minutes and plus/minus if your league uses those stats. He’s ready.

Footage:

Smith doesn’t mind dropping the gloves, either:

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