When you hear Brendan Smith’s name, what comes first to your mind?
Is it his standoff with Bruins’ captain Zdeno Chara in 2014? Or the time when he played the puck while sitting on the bench near the completion of last season, causing a crucial penalty kill and nearly flattening Detroit’s playoff chances?
Many seem to be disappointed with the former first-round pick to whom much faith was given after the departures of Nick Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski. Smith has found himself as the scapegoat in terms of Detroit’s defensive woes despite boasting strong possession numbers throughout his career.