Detroit Red Wings: Givani Smith swapped for Evgeni Svechnikov

The Detroit Red Wings have sent forward Givani Smith back to the minors, and the decision is quite puzzling. According to a report from MLive, Smith has been reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins from the Red Wings taxi squad.

The decision to demote Givani Smith down to the minors is a bit interesting until you see the corresponding move. Forward Evgeni Svechnikov is getting a promotion to the taxi squad and possibly the chance to get a look by the Detroit Red Wings sooner than later.

Smith has logged one goal and three assists for four total points in eight games at the NHL level in 2020-21. Frankly, he deserved a shot to stick, considering his presence on the ice was a good thing for the Red Wings.

Svechnikov has to really prove himself during the 2020-21 season if he is given a chance and his promotion to the taxi squad is the first step towards that. But this swap is still puzzling when Smith deserves the chance to play in the bottom-six for this organization.

The Detroit Red Wings swapping Givani Smith for Evgeni Svechnikov on the taxi squad is a bit puzzling.

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A former second-round selection of the Red Wings, Smith, has had a good start to 2020-21 with his time in the NHL.

However, it appears the Red Wings do not see him getting into games anytime soon, so they opted to bump him to the minors, where he can play.

While Svechnikov’s goal and three assists with the Grand Rapids through three games are good, but Smith still seems deserving.

But, this move makes sense with Svechnikov being one what likely is one of his last legs with the Red Wings before he gets written off.

To look at the bright side of this move, the hope will be for Svechnikov to finally stay healthy and find some production at the NHL level when he gets his chance to suit up.

Staying positive, the hope will be that Smith can tap into production at the AHL level and be a force with the Griffins. In the long run, the likelihood is that Smith will be a player who can be like Zack Kassian, Milan Lucic, or Wayne Simmonds.

A forward who can play alongside some top talents to protect them, Smith is not afraid to drop the mitts and square off if needed, but he also finds ways to get his name on the scoresheet. Something the Red Wings will benefit from immensely once Smith settles in as a mainstay in the Red Wings forward group.

Smith was producing even though he only played in eight games; he was one point behind Robby Fabbri, who is a staple on the second line and has been producing quite well in the absence of Tyler Bertuzzi.

Swapping Smith and Svechnikov between the minors and taxi squad was a puzzling move, either way, you look at it. Hopefully, Givani Smith excels after his upsetting demotion and on the flip side, hopefully, Svechnikov can stay healthy and score in his chances at the NHL level.