Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland announced on Monday that defenseman Brendan Smith has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins. This move comes after defenseman Jonathan Ericsson suffered a wrist injury over the weekend that will keep him out for at least a month. It also comes after the Red Wings dealt defenseman Mike Commodore to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a conditional draft pick on Monday.
Smith is expected to play on Tuesday when the Red Wings take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. If he does indeed end up in the lineup, it will be Smith's first appearance for the Red Wings since Nov. 20. That day he suited up against the Anaheim Ducks and had one assist. In a total of three games this season with the Red Wings, he has two assists.
In all likelihood, the move to trade Commodore to Tampa Bay was made in part because the Red Wings want Smith to play in the final month and a half of the season. Freeing up some space on the roster will give Smith a better chance to crack the lineup and get some experience before the NHL playoffs roll around. Injuries are bound to happen and he is likely going to be with the Red Wings full-time next season, so it's good to get him some experience sooner rather than later.
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