Givani Smith two-year extension breeds competition

The Detroit Red Wings have announced that forward Givani Smith has signed a two-year extension with the organization. According to the CapFriendly website, they decided to revive and gave Smith two more years at $ 750,000.

While the Detroit Red Wings may not see Givani Smith in their lineup, he will really have to move up in 2021-22. It seems like he can; he has the tools and has sometimes shown lightning bolts.

His time in the NHL hasn’t been numerous, but hope should be that he can steal some Ice Age and earn some looks from head coach Jeff Blashill in 2021-22. He can be the enforcer of the Red Wings, which could be a really useful role to build and find from within.

Even if he becomes a third liner, who plays a role similar to Kirk Maltby or Wayne Simmonds for a current example. While Simmonds has had some successful seasons, he was an offensive version of an enforcer with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020-21, who at times played with Auston Matthews at the helm.

The Detroit Red Wings have renewed Givani Smith for two years.

When it comes to Smith, he could very well be someone who plays a certain role for this team. While he seemed to have an advantage at one point on the second line, it does seem like he could be more successful in that enforcement role.

As the Red Wings begin to cement players into future roles on the team, Smith is someone who is still fighting for a role. These next two years will be crucial for Smith to formally develop his role.

Smith is a net front man who apparently has a knack for creating scoring opportunities for the Red Wings. He has also shown the ability to create scoring opportunities below the face-off points in the offensive zone; Whether it’s a quick shot or a nice pass to the open man, Smith has the offensive side.

Although he is better known for his physicality and his ability to free someone from the puck and serve as the team’s protector, he has the ability to generate attacks. Smith could very well be an integral part of this team’s forward core; we will see.

As the Red Wings progress through the next two seasons, there should be hope that Smith will become the team’s enforcer.

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