from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Coach Jeff Blashill was talking about Givani Smith the other day, and the development of the young forward.

The player Smith is today, though far from a finished product, is much different from the one Smith was when he began his pro career two years ago.

Smith has learned and gained an understanding of what he does best, especially to get to the NHL level.

“When he first came in from junior, like a lot of guys, I don’t know that he was utilizing the skills that are going to separate him at this level,” Blashill said. “At the junior level, he might have been able to do more stuff. At this level, you have to figure out how can I be different than other people in a better way?

“He’s done that.”

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