Brendan Smith and the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday made official what has been known for some weeks: the Wisconsin defenseman is leaving school a year early to play in the pros.
Related link: Early departures in 2010 offseason
Smith signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings almost three years after being selected by the Red Wings in the first round of the NHL entry draft.
A top-10 Hobey Baker Award finalist last season, Smith led the nation’s defensemen with 15 goals and 52 points.
In 95 career games, he had 87 points.
