Former Detroit Red Wings forward earns late free agency contract with Stanley Cup contender

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Givani Smith fought hard enough during his PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes to earn a contract.

The depth forward has signed a deal with General Manager Eric Tulsky of the Carolina Hurricanes. His new contract has an average annual value of $775k.

Smith would play four preseason games with the Hurricanes, scoring 3 points (2-1), along with 28 penalty minutes.

Smith played in the AHL last season, split between the Colorado Eagles and Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The depth forward would play a limited number of games (7) for the Colorado Avalanche but wouldn't make much of an impact, as he'd spend the majority of the year in the minors.

While he'd play only a limited amount of games at 16, scoring 3 points (1-2), is this a sign that he's growing into a role with the right team? Or is it another case of luck?

It's a given he'll likely be used in the bottom six of the team as a checking forward, but these are positive signs for Smith, who has had trouble finding a home in the league.

The depth forward was originally selected 46th overall in the 2nd round of the 2016 NHL Draft and has played a total of 168 games in the league.

He's scored 22 points (9-13) and has a chance to be a difference maker with one of the best teams in the league.