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Red Wings' Brendan Smith will have to battle for a role

Deep into the NHL off-season, Helene St. James takes a look at individual Detroit Red Wings and assesses expectations for the coming season.

Today's focal point: Defenseman Brendan Smith.

Looking at 2014-15 production: 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points in 76 games; no points in five playoff games.

Looking at money: Signed through 2016-17, with a salary cap hit of $2.75 million. Actual salary for next season is $3.25 million.

Looking back: Smith, 26, played with a variety of partners last season, looking his best when he gained veteran Marek Zidlicky as a cohort at the trade deadline.