Red Wings sign Givani Smith to two-year deal

Red Wings forward Givani Smith can wreak havoc around the opposition's net. (Mike Mulholland/MLive)
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The Detroit Red Wings agreed to terms with the last of their unsigned restricted free agents on Tuesday, signing Givani Smith to a two-year contract.

After going back and forth from Grand Rapids to Detroit the past two seasons, Smith is slotted for an NHL roster spot out of training camp. He no longer is waiver-exempt and the Red Wings, who protected him for the Seattle expansion draft, would not risk losing him on waivers to send him back to the AHL.

The big, abrasive winger (6-2, 210) is an aggressive forechecker and likes to go to the net and throw his weight around. He also doesn’t hesitate to drop the gloves, having racked up four fighting majors in only 37 career NHL games.

Smith appeared in 16 games with Detroit last season (one goal, three assists), recording a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fighting major) Feb. 7 at Florida. He played in 25 games for the Griffins (nine goals, 15 points).

He has three goals and seven points over parts of two NHL seasons.

Smith, 23, was the Red Wings’ second selection in 2016 (46th overall). He will be a restricted free agent when this contract expires in 2023.

More: Five to watch for Red Wings at Prospects Tournament

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