If the Wings want to be perceived as tougher, they have an internal candidate worth considering in Givani Smith.

Smith has been with the organization since 2016, when he was drafted at No. 46. He turned pro two years later, spending 2018-19 with the Grand Rapids Griffins while scoring six goals and seven assists — and 86 penalty minutes — in 64 games. He made his NHL debut Oct. 25, 2019, and appeared in 21 games (two goals, one assist) in 2019-20 with the Wings, otherwise showing improvement with the Griffins, where he recorded nine goals and 19 assists — and 75 penalty minutes — in 37 games.

Smith appeared in 16 games with the Wings this season, recording a goal and three assists. His 15 points in 25 games with the Griffins worked out to an AHL career-best .60 points-per-game average and boosted Smith’s confidence in his development.

“I think the biggest improvement from last year to this year is being able to keep plays going and to recognize the areas on the ice where I am with the puck and body positioning, so I’m not taking as many penalties and things like that,” Smith said. “There are a lot of things I improved on mentally, growing as a player. I’ve gotten tougher and stronger. My skating has improved.”

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