Smith, 21, has already tied his rookie-year offensive totals from the 2018-19 campaign (set in 64 games) with 13 points (4-9-13) in 22 games with the Griffins this season. He ranks fifth on the club in scoring, while leading the team with 59 penalty minutes. The second-year pro has also appeared in five games with the Red Wings this season, registering five shots on goal, nine hits and five penalty minutes in 8:58 average ice time per game after making his NHL debut on Oct. 25 vs. Buffalo. Smith has skated in 89 AHL games over the last two seasons, totaling 26 points (10-16-26) and 147 penalty minutes, adding two assists in four postseason games for Grand Rapids.
The Toronto, Ontario, native was selected by Detroit in the second round (46th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League prior to turning professional. In 236 games with the Barrie Colts, Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers from 2014-18, Smith tallied 135 points (73-62-135) and 411 penalty minutes, leading the league in penalty minutes in consecutive seasons in 2015-16 and 2016-17. In his final OHL campaign split between Guelph and Kitchener in 2017-18, Smith picked up 30 points (17-13-30) in 46 regular-season games before racking up 18 points (11-7-18) in 18 playoff games with Kitchener.
