Four Red Wings Prospects That Could Stick in Next Season’s Lineup
By Alex Faber
![VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Moritz Seider poses for a portrait after being selected sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Moritz Seider poses for a portrait after being selected sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d0c8ea69154a4b471d798ba5d44218b4715eed4a55cab16b60a48b9a893260f6.jpg)
Givani Smith
Smith is another prospect that has spent quite a lot of time in Grand Rapids. But unlike Hirose, Smith has made more appearances than just the first few games of the season. Smith has played 15 games with the Red Wings, scoring a goal and three assists with limited ice time. The highlight was the Gordie Howe Hat Trick in which Smith had a fight, a goal and an assist.
Smith is almost the opposite player that Hirose is. Where Hirose lacks on his defensive game, Smith excels. He can shut down opposing lines and act as the perfect fourth line grinder an NHL team, although his offensive game leaves something to be desired. With the amount of free agents Detroit has this season, Smith is the most likely candidate currently in Grand Rapids to fill a roster spot, as his lack of mistakes, defensive abilities and physicality are all good fits in the system Jeff Blashill runs.