Camp gives Wings prospects taste of NHL

Smith, who plays college hockey for Wisconsin, typifies long-term hopefuls. Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News DETROIT -- Brendan Smith could smile about it afterward in the locker room. Smith, the Red Wings' 2007 first-round draft pick, collided full-force with forward Cory Emmerton during a drill Wednesday morning, which left more than a few Wings executives seated in the lower bowl holding their breath. "He just didn't see me," said Smith, a sophomore defenseman at Wisconsin, who has the puck-moving ability the Wings love to see. "No big deal. Those things happen." Especially with young players learning and grasping information daily from pro coaches, and maybe trying to impress someone watching in the stands. But mainly, this six-day camp the Wings put on for their draft picks is to give them a glimpse of what to expect in the... [read full story]