Detroit Red Wings’ forward prospect Givani Smith possesses all the skills necessary to be the next superstar in the NHL.
After being drafted 46th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Givani Smith has been going on an absolute tear in the OHL. At only 20 years old, Smith has played four seasons in the OHL where he proves to be an all-around hockey player and leader.
Givani Smith, brother of Dallas Stars’ forward Gemel Smith, is built for today’s NHL. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 206 pounds, he proves to be a power forward who can score and get in the dirty areas.
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In the 2017-18 season, Smith played for the Guelph Storm and the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. He combined for 17 goals, 13 assists and 50 penalty minutes, in just 46 regular season games.
He proved to be very impressive in the playoffs where he was a scoring machine. In 18 playoff games, Smith tallied 11 goals, seven assists, 18 points, 22 penalty minutes and had a plus-minus rating of +5. Averaging a point per game, Smith was the heartbeat of the Kitchener Rangers leading them to the OHL Western Conference Final where they bowed out to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
His time in the OHL really showcased his toughness, something the Red Wings need very badly. He seized the attention of hockey fans everywhere when he fought Kelton Hatcher of the Sarnia Sting on March 6, 2018.
What got everybody’s attention was that Smith threw aside an official to go after Hatcher. Although I do not condone touching an official, it was quite amazing watching the pure resilience and toughness of him to go after Hatcher.
Smith believes his physical style will allow him to make the NHL and be successful. In an interview with MLive after a training camp practice in 2016, he told the reporters that he loves to fight in order to stick up for his teammates and that the hard nose way he plays is the new style of the NHL.
With his offensive tools and toughness, there is no questioning that Givani Smith is set to be a star for the Red Wings. The Wings are rebuilding and are looking to their youth for future success, and Givani Smith is in the forefront of the upcoming wave of young talent.
For the upcoming 2018-19 season, expect to see Smith split playing time with the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Detroit Red Wings.