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Brendan Smith News
Smith (shoulder) returns to the Red Wings lineup tonight.

Smith missed the last six games, in which the Red Wings went 0-5-1. Smith has had a slow start to the season with just one assist and a minus-7 rating in 11 games. He will dress as the Red Wings seventh defensman vs. the Predators tonight. He has no fantasy value until he starts putting numbers on the stat sheet.

Brendan Smith
Smith (shoulder) expects to play on Tuesday.

Smith has missed the last six games after suffering a shoulder injury on November 2. Once considered a top-prospect with loads of offensive upside, Smith had just eight assists in 34 games last season and has only recorded a single assist with a minus-7 rating in 11 games this year. The Red Wings may dress seventh defensemen tomorrow, so it is unknown where Smith will slot in.

Brendan Smith
Brendan Smith says he has AC sprain of right shoulder. Out 3-4 weeks he estimates.

The original diagnosis for Smith's return was 10-14 days so 3-4 weeks isn't good news for Smith and Red Wings fans. Smith has played well for the Wings this year but it hasn't shown up on the scoresheet. He won't be fantasy relevant until he can score with some regularity.

Brendan Smith
DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings reassigned rookie defenseman Brendan Smith to the Grand Rapids Griffins following Saturday's 5-4 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at Joe Louis Arena.

Smith heads back down to the minors with six healthy defenseman and Jonathan Ericsson rounding the corner. The rookie scored a goal and seven points in 14 games.

Brendan Smith
Coach Mike Babcock made it official after today's morning skate, confirming that Smith will be in the lineup, paired with Niklas Kronwall, when Detroit plays the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion (10:30, Fox Sports Net Detroit).

Smith will suit up with Niklas Kronwall in a top-four role. His assignment puts him in good position to put up some counting stats.

Brendan Smith