from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Brendan Smith, who blossomed in the playoffs paired with Brady Skjei after being acquired from Detroit at the deadline, is one of the few Type-A personalities on the squad. Vigneault made it clear he believes No. 42’s personality is among his most valuable assets and he should be counted on to assume a leadership role.

“Smitty is vocal, intense, and our room … that’s a good thing to have in the room,” Vigneault said of the 28-year-old defenseman who eschewed free agency to re-up for four years at $4.35 million per. “He’s not only vocal, but he shares a lot of his inner feelings with his teammates, which is good.

“It’s about keeping everyone accountable. I like that aspect of him, I like that energy that he brings. I’ve already talked to him about that expanded role in the dressing room. Coming from Detroit, he’s had some real solid leaders there, so I expect a lot more in that area from him.”

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