Detroit Red Wings: Givani Smith can play an important role in future
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings have an opportunity in front of them with forward Givani Smith; the question is if they will take this. There’s a chance that he pans out to be the perfect player for this team and fill a unique role that most teams look to have.
As the Detroit Red Wings continue on through the rebuild, the front office needs to figure out who is going to be that enforcer/goon type player for the organization. Smith can fit that role nicely; he has shown that he is not afraid to get dirty.
Smith has been a solid enforcer-type player in the minors, and if he can parlay that into the NHL, the Red Wings will be able to fill that role. Having someone like that is crucial, and the Red Wings will not have to try and find an enforcer on the market.
Smith is also able to bring an offensive threat; he can camp out in front of the net and help the offense. The prospect has been able to be a disruption in front of the net and also be able to scrap when needed. Being that net-front guy and having success is crucial.
The Detroit Red Wings need Givani Smith to be the enforcer/goon in the future.
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
The reason that Smith fills this role so perfectly is that he can provide some offense for them as well.
The Washington Capitals have Tom Wilson, who is a real force on the ice whether you want to call him a dirty player or not; he also scores and adds offense.
Smith is one of those players who will add goals here and there, tally a few assists, and be a part of the offense no matter where he is played in the line chart. Smith is a great asset for this organization and needs to be used as such.
He logged a goal and three assists in 2021 over 16 games played. He also managed 21 penalty minutes in that same time frame.
If the Red Wings play their cards right, they have a perfect opportunity to have Smith be their go-to enforcer.
The biggest thing with Smith is making sure they work him in enough to keep developing while also maintaining his goon role. If the Red Wings are going to load up their top-six with players like Lucas Raymond, Joe Veleno, and Filip Zadina, then they will need a guy like Smith.
Must Read. Detroit Tigers: Casey Opitz needs to be on the draft board. light
As Smith develops, the Red Wings are silly if they don’t try him out as the team’s goon/enforcer.