5 blueliners the Red Wings can steal from the Metropolitan Division in NHL free agency

Brendan Smith, New Jersey Devils

Sometimes, you need to reunite with an older player who was there when your team last made the playoffs, and Brendan Smith is one player on this list who fits that criteria. He was a member of the Red Wings between 2011-12 and 2016-17 before he moved on to the New York Rangers, the Hurricanes, and finally, the New Jersey Devils. 

Smith would make for a good option for Steve Yzerman if the latter wanted a cheaper blueliner who could hold down a spot on the third pairing or as a seventh defenseman for a season with over a decade of experience in the NHL. Smith would give the Red Wings between 55 and 65 games at most, but he’s one who would add that much-needed edgy play. 

This past season saw Smith take part in 63 games, where all he did was hit opponents and block shots. No, he won’t bring as much value as Skjei or Pesce, and he was on the ice for 15.6 more goals allowed at even strength than his expected 34.4 xGA. But it’s also worth remembering that the Devils entire blue line struggled through a down season, and that didn’t help Smith. 

Although Detroit wasn’t much better without the puck, his experience and aggressive play would nonetheless bring value.