Wings select Smith with first pick
The Detroit Red Wings selected defenseman Brendan Smith with their first pick in the 2007 NHL Draft (27th overall). Aside from the obvious joy of being selected in the first round much to his surprise, he really enjoyed hearing Steve Yzerman call his name.
“I was in awe,” Smith said. “You grow up just thinking about how good he is and then you’re up on the podium with him. There are no words to describe it. I was just a huge smile.”
Smith said he was surprised to go that high. “I was getting a little antsy, I guess,” he said. “I had no expectations to go that high. I was so surprised; I can’t even get the words out, just being drafted to Detroit.”
Smith said his mom was in tears, and that brother Reilly, 16, who stayed in Toronto, would be thrilled. “It’s my little brother’s favorite team,” Smith said.
Source: Getty Images
Smith played for St. Michael’s in the OPJRA where he scored 12 goals, notched 24 assists, had 90 PIM.
Analysis: A smooth-skating offensive defenseman who thrives on power plays and who loves to join the rush and make plays. “He’s a great skater, a good puck-mover, and we’re happy to get him,” Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill said. “His skating ability is very good. He’s our type of player.” Needs to add bulk and grow into his frame and improve his overall physical play.
Smith will play at the University of Wisconsin next year as a freshman giving him four years of possible development before the Wings have to sign him. However, Nill doubts it will take four years before he’s ready.
Scouting Report: In his second season with the St. Michael’s College (tier II) program in Ontario, he placed seventh in team scoring with 36 points in 2006-07. He also ranked fourth on the team in penalty minutes (90) and tied for first with three short-handed goals… skates well and enjoys the physical aspects of the game of hockey… moves the puck well out of the defensive zone, but needs to work on his play without it. Also needs more discipline in order to maximize potential… will attend the University of Wisconsin in 2007-08…
Source: Getty Images
“I like to be gritty,” Smith said. “You have to be chippy in the corners and I’m not the biggest guy. I have to use that little extra and sometimes the referees catch on.” …
Smith grew up in Toronto and was raised near Mimco, where former Red Wing Brendan Shanahan was born and raised. Smith wears No. 14, after Shanahan.
“I’m shocked, it’s a dream come true,” Smith said.
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5 Responses to “Wings select Smith with first pick”
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June 23rd, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Christy, did you notice that there is no Jimmy D. in that first picture. Usually Jimmy is in the pictures and I believe in the past that he announced the draft picks. This year Yzerman did that. I wonder if the Wings are grooming Yzerman to eventually take over for Jimmy D. when he decides to retire. I certainly have no problem with that.
June 24th, 2007 at 1:21 am
Wow. I totally forgot about Jimmy D until you mentioned him. That is a huge surprise that he wasn’t up there when they selected Smith. I think Jim Nill has announced selections in the past (as has Jimmy). I was totally fine with seeing Yzerman make the announcement, but I am surprised Jimmy wasn’t up there on that stage. Hmm.
June 24th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Christy, I was very surprised too. I didn’t expect to see Jimmy D. not up there. Did you happen to notice if Jimmy D. was even at the draft? It’s very interesting. I’ve been noticing lately that Yzerman has been doing alot of things that Jimmy D. would normally do.
BTW, I really like your website. You do a very nice job. Yzerman is also my favorite athlete ever. I really enjoy reading the stuff that you post about him. Thanks for the nice work that you have been doing.
June 24th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I looked at my photos again and I don’t think I do see Jimmy D. Maybe he was sick or something? But that’s pretty crazy he didn’t announce and wasn’t even there. I could always be wrong, but still…
Thanks for the compliment! I try to always write about Yzerman news because he’s my favorite athlete as well.
June 24th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
It’s possible that Jimmy D was sick or had some other kind of emergency, but who knows. I do know that he is getting up in there in age and is probably getting close to retirement. He has one accomplishment left and that’s getting in the HOF. I think he’d really like to get in the HOF before retiring, which I can’t say I blame him. It would be kind of neat to see Jimmy D and Yzerman get in together, but I doubt that will happen. There are too many other greats that retired at the same time as Yzerman. Anyways, Yzerman would be the perfect replacement for Devellano.