Although Brendan Smith is still in the mix for a roster spot, he'll probably start the season in the minors. Smith would have to beat out Mike Commodore and Jakub Kindl for a spot on the team's third defensive pairing. "There's all this speculation that I'm either ready or not ready, but I'm honestly just going to let the preseason happen and play as best as I can and do what has gotten me to this point," he said. "Ever since I've been young, I've always wanted to play in the NHL, and it'd be a dream come true to play with the Wings. Hopefully I can prove that I'm NHL ready." Even if Smith gets sent to the minors, he'll probably make his NHL debut before the end of the 2011-12 season. We'll keep you posted.