Detroit — His skating is splendid.
When Brendan Smith winds up and takes flight, it seems like he could easily help drive a team. Especially one looking for more offense, and more offense generated by the defensemen, like the Red Wings.
Last season, Smith took a good stride forward in his development, playing more solidly in his defensive role, jumping more often and more effectively into the offense, playing occasionally in the top pairing, making fewer mistakes.
It was the sort of year a young NHL defenseman has when he is suddenly no longer a young NHL defenseman.