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Red Wings prospect Givani Smith 'a strong kid' who wins puck battles

Related Topics: Traverse City, Detroit Red Wings

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Grand Rapids Griffins coach Todd Nelson liked what little he saw of Givani Smith.

The Detroit Red Wings drafted Smith in the second round last year, and, after his junior season ended, Smith joined the Grand Rapids Griffins. He made appearances in three games.

“He is an up-and-down winger,” Nelson said during development camp early this month in Traverse City. “A strong kid. He did his job well when he played. I like his size and his grit in the corner, and he goes hard to the net.