"Brendan Smith would have been playing in the NHL last season if he were part of an organization that needed to rush him.

The Red Wings, however, don't have any such problem.

So, Smith was in Grand Rapids, playing big minutes and getting accustomed to pro hockey.

Smith may be ready for the NHL this season, but again, the Red Wings don't need to push him just yet.

"I'm just trying to show I'm ready, that's the biggest thing," said Smith, who is being paired with veteran Mike Commodore during the exhibition season. "It's just the way it is and that's how it was with most of these players. Everyone has gone through it.""