Detroit Red Wings lose Gemel Smith on waivers; ending brotherly reunion
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings have lost out on forward Gemel Smith after logging just three games for the organization. This may not seem like a major loss or anything that is incredibly detrimental to the roster, but there’s a big change for Givani Smith.
It was short-lived, but there was a short time when the Detroit Red Wings were able to reunite Gemel and Givani Smith with one another. Gemel is nothing more than a depth forward or someone who just adds to the bottom-six, but it was cool to see the brothers together.
However, a recent waiver claim would send Gemel back to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization where the Red Wings had originally grabbed him from. Though his time was short, he did manage to log three games and be a part of the Red Wings offense, adding an assist to his tally as well.
When the Red Wings scooped up Smith on waivers, he was yet to see the ice in an NHL game during the 2021-22 season, but the Red Wings needed depth, and Smith provided this. Including getting to be on the ice with his brother for some time.
Detroit Red Wings lose Gemel Smith on waivers.
With some injured players ready and able to return, the team was forced to expose Smith on waivers, ultimately losing him to the Lightning organization. In a recent Detroit Free Press article, the Red Wings felt that Smith would be able to be exposed with the belief he would end up passing through.
Though this was not the case, this roster move may very well be the start of a bidding war between the Lightning and Red Wings organizations. If Tampa Bay opts to expose Smith again and the Red Wings need some forward depth for that fourth line, Smith will be switching teams once again.
However, Smith will head back to Florida for the time being, ending the reunion with his brother here in Hockeytown. Smith’s time with the Red Wing may have been short and sweet, but it may not be the end either.
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Given that the Red Wings were interested in him once, I would not be shocked to see them grab him on the waiver wire again if the opportunity presents itself.