Brendan Smith
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Birthday:
1989-02-08 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2007 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2007 |
Height:
6-2 |
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Acquired:
1st round (27th overall), 2007 |
Weight:
195 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- B
History
2006-07: Brendan Smith was 14th in OPJHL scoring by defensemen (12 goals, 24 assists) in 39 games with 90 penalty minutes. Third in OPJHL playoff scoring by defensemen (6 goals, 14 assists) in 16 games played with 30 penalty minutes. Eighteen of his 36 points came while on the power play.
2007-08: This marked Smith’s freshman season with the University of Wisconsin (WCHA). He tied for second on the team in rookie scoring with 12 points despite playing in just 22 games. He missed 18 games due to injury, before returning for the season finale as a forward. He recorded six points (1g+5a) in a three-game scoring streak (Oct. 13 – 20).
2008-09: Smith played in 31 games for Wisconsin as a sophomore, scoring 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points. He also earned 75 PIMs.
2009-10: Smith had a breakout season as a junior, pacing the Badgers' blue line with 52 points, including 15 goals and 37 assists, 42 games. He tied for second on the team in points and led the team with 76 PIMs. His performance earned him the WCHA's Defensive Player of the Year award, a WCHA First All-Star Team selection, and a finalist spot for the Hobey Baker Award.
2010-11: Smith’s first year in the AHL was a productive one. Injuries limited Smith to 63 games, though he still put up 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points. Had to opt out of the AHL All-Star game due to injury.
2011-12: Smith was impressive in a pair of NHL call ups with Detroit and was the top defenseman for the club's AHL affiliate Grand Rapids. He made his debut with the Red Wings in November, appearing in three games, and then was back in Detroit at the end of February for an 11-game stint due to a bevy of injuries on the Wings. He scored 1 goal with 6 assists and was plus-three with 13 penalty minutes in 14 games; averaging over 15 minutes of ice time per game. He skated in 57 games for Grand Rapids and was plus-two with 10 goals and 24 assists and had 90 penalty minutes. Grand Rapids missed the AHL playoffs, finishing fourth in the North Division.
Talent Analysis
Smith, who is regarded as a high-end offensive defenseman, is a silky smooth skater who moves effortlessly. He also has very good vision and soft hands, which complement his overall mobility very well.
Future
He will have every opportunity to make the Red Wings' roster full-time in 2012-13. With Detroit already depleted on the backend, don't expect Smith to see AHL action again.
