Ty Smith to Make Season Debut Saturday | BLOG

Devils defenseman Ty Smith is back. Devils head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed after an optional skate on Friday that the defenseman is good to go and is expected to make his season debut Saturday night when the Devils host Buffalo.
"He's going to be cleared to play," Ruff said. "He had a good year last year, he's a great puck mover, sees the ice really well … that's one of (Smith's) strengths has been throughout his first year. Finding the open people, and creating opportunities as well as being a good defender."
Smith, 21, is excited to get back into the lineup after missing the team's first three games of the season, and most of training camp.
"It's been awhile so I'm pretty excited and I'm looking forward to tomorrow," Smith said following Friday's optional practice.

During Friday's skate, Smith worked with forward Mason Geertsen to get used to the physical side of the game, including battling against the boards.
"It was pretty important for me to feel (the intensity of the game) and for our coaches and medical team to see that. I'm feeling good and I can compete, and battle with guys and (Geertsen) is a pretty big boy, so he's a good guy to work with and test myself out on."
After watching the team compete over the last few games, Smith is excited to be back on the ice with this team.
"The guys have an excitement level that's something I want to be a part of," he said. "Lots of creativity, offense, plays being made … I'm excited to get out there with our D-core, a bit of a new D-core, but it's pretty exciting stuff for me and the way we've been playing it's something that's exciting to jump into."