35 replies to this topic

[Bump]

Red Wings sign Brendan Smith, former top draft pick, to three-year entry-level contract
By Ansar Khan
May 27, 2010, 2:15PM
DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Brendan Smith, their first-round pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft (27th overall), to a three-year entry-level contract.

Smith, a 21-year-old skilled, puck-moving defenseman, spent the last three seasons at Wisconsin. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey this year.

“Brendan improved tremendously in each of his three seasons at Wisconsin,’’ Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. “He was a dominant player at the collegiate level, in particular at his position, and we feel he is ready to take the next step in his career at the professional level. We look forward to having him at training camp in Traverse City in September.’’

Smith is slated to play for the AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins next season.

Smith (6-foot-2, 190) led the nation in scoring among defensemen this past season, with 15 goals and 52 points. He was named to the All-WCHA First Team and was named WCHA defensive player of the year.

Smith became the first Badger defenseman to record 50 points in a season since 1989-90 and the first to post at least 10 power-play goals in a season since 1979-80. In three seasons at Wisconsin, Smith collected 87 points, including 26 goals.

[Datsyukian Geek]

I can't wait to see how he does in Traverse City.

[F.Michael]

Just hope he doesn't turn into another Kindl at the AHL level...Then again I know little to nothing about Kindl so what do I know

[HankthaTank]

Shall be there in TC to check this out . Well done on the post!

[Lidstromboli]

nice

[F2B&G]

I'm no Bucky fan, but I watched him play four times this year and I have to admit he's a natural at QBing the powerplay. A couple seasons in the AHL will hopefully polish up the rest of his game. Above all, I'm looking forward to following his progress with the Griffins this fall, instead of seeing him in a Wisconsin sweater again.

[Lidstrom for life]

I have insanely high expectations for this kid. I will never forget watching him absolutely dominate in that frozen four game against RIT. He had 5 assists, it was absolutely incredible. I am really excited to see how he does in Grand Rapids.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

I've been excited to see what this kid can do.I've never seen him play before and i look forward to watching him in Traverse City and Grand Rapids.

[titanium2]

Apparently this kid used to think he was God's gift to hockey?

[mindfly]

Apparently this kid used to think he was God's gift to hockey?

So you mean he's **** Axelsson #2 ?

[SweWings]

So you mean he's **** Axelsson #2 ?

No... Pretty sure only **** Axelsson can reach **** Axelsson's level of Douchehood.

Edited by SweWings, 27 May 2010 - 04:52 PM.

[Yzerman#19]

As slowly as the Wings are developing players we'll likely see this kid in a Winged wheel around 2017.

[Jesusberg]

Apparently this kid used to think he was God's gift to hockey?

Watching him over his collegiate career, this has been my main concern. He needs to build up his defensive game, but even more than that he needs to build some character. I hope that jumping into the AHL and being under the watchful eye of Wings' management he'll stay humble.

[Lidstromboli]

Apparently this kid used to think he was God's gift to hockey?

well he is

he's better than lidstrom at least

[RusDRW]

I think that DRW management need to speed up a bit prospects development process... If Brandan looks fine, insert him into the line-up. Put Tatar into too. What are we going to lose anyway?

[robb himself]

as soon as rafalskis contract runs out...this kid will be a wing

[Broken 16]

Hmmmmmm... So how long should we wait before putting the unfair expectation of being Lidstrom's heir apparent on him. I'm game.

Edited by Broken 16, 27 May 2010 - 07:27 PM.

[cjm502]

This kid has serious talent and I feel comfortable saying he will be a top 4 guy for us some day. His offensive potential is sick, and his weak defense is said to be much better than it has been previous years. His production has been on a sharp increase and shouldnt slow down for a few years. Seriously, talk about a future PP quarterback.

Now time to get off topic. I say we will be seeing Lashoff on the Wings within the next few years. Lashoff is probably my favorite defensive prospect right now. He has stepped up his game every time he played for the Griffins and is a proven playoff performer. One guy you simply cant ignore anymore is Adam Almqvist. He is small weak and slow, but was a monster with HV71. This is definitely one of our famous late round gems, I think he might have a solid NHL career ahead of him.

[titanium2]

Watching him over his collegiate career, this has been my main concern. He needs to build up his defensive game, but even more than that he needs to build some character. I hope that jumping into the AHL and being under the watchful eye of Wings' management he'll stay humble.

Him, Ferraro and Axelsson will be the 'hotshots' of the franchise players.

Naw but I think it's okay to be a little cocky every now and again. I have no idea how bad it is for him.

[newfy]

Him, Ferraro and Axelsson will be the 'hotshots' of the franchise players.

Naw but I think it's okay to be a little cocky every now and again. I have no idea how bad it is for him.

My brother has been to parties that Stamkos was at in Sarnia and said he was the cockiest guys he's met. Cocky isn't bad at all, cocky just got 51 goals this season.

This kid has serious talent and I feel comfortable saying he will be a top 4 guy for us some day. His offensive potential is sick, and his weak defense is said to be much better than it has been previous years. His production has been on a sharp increase and shouldnt slow down for a few years. Seriously, talk about a future PP quarterback.

Now time to get off topic. I say we will be seeing Lashoff on the Wings within the next few years. Lashoff is probably my favorite defensive prospect right now. He has stepped up his game every time he played for the Griffins and is a proven playoff performer. One guy you simply cant ignore anymore is Adam Almqvist. He is small weak and slow, but was a monster with HV71. This is definitely one of our famous late round gems, I think he might have a solid NHL career ahead of him.

Lashoff is the next Brad Stuart(kinda). He's big and hits hard but also has a bit of hands to him as well, I really think Lashoff is going to be good too.

Now if he added some fighting to his book of tricks then he would be an even better prospect

But seriously the guy can fight too he just doesn't do it much, maybe we'll see that change in GR