With the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom and the return of Brad Stuart to San Jose, the Red Wings roster is currently thin on defense. They offered $90 million to Ryan Suter, but he turned them down for The Wild. Detroit only has six signed defensemen as of right now, and only Niklas Kronwall can be considered a power play specialist. Kyle Quincey and Ian White are likely two other top 4 defensemen for the team. But Quincey only scored 3 points in 18 games last yearcoming over from Colorado last year. He, also, demonstrated, somewhat of a bad attitude criticizing Colorado management afterwards. The fact that Detroit just resigned him for 2 years and $7.55 million is a sign that they didn't feel they could lose another defenseman. White is a serviceable defenseman, but he did not have a power play goal all last year, although he did have 10 pp assists. read more

Smith heads back down to the minors with six healthy defenseman and Jonathan Ericsson rounding the corner. The rookie scored a goal and seven points in 14 games.

Smith could sit out tonight's game. The rookie has a goal and seven points through 14 games.

Smith should get good minutes on the Kronwall unit. The rookie has 10 goals and 32 points in 47 AHL games.

Sounds like the Red Wings want to handle their blue line internally. The rookie has 10 goals and 32 points in 47 AHL games.

Young Brendan Smith will not play tonight and is likely sent back to Grand Rapids soon.

Smith goes back to the AHL after impressing in three games. Expect him to come back up should any defender get hurt.

Smith will suit up with Niklas Kronwall in a top-four role. His assignment puts him in good position to put up some counting stats.

Smith probably replaces Mike Commodore in the lineup. The rookie registered five assists over 11 AHL games.

Smith figures to play as soon as this Thursday in San Jose. The rookie registered five assists over 11 AHL games.