Hockey veteran reaches desperate measures in order to keep NHL career alive

Former Detroit Red Wings Givani Smith has been known as a bottom-six forward his entire career in the NHL.

Smith has played a total of 168 games in the NHL and scored 22 points (9-13) with 268 PIMs. His career totals give you an idea of how teams have utilized his talents on the ice.

The former 46th pick in the 2nd round of the 2016 NHL Draft will have to fight to keep playing hockey in the NHL, as GM Eric Tulsky of the Carolina Hurricanes has signed him to a PTO.

Professional tryouts come late in the offseason, when players are looking for an opportunity to prove themselves in the NHL or find their home elsewhere after training camp.

For Smith, a professional tryout with the Canes could make or break his career, as he could end up joining a contender as a tough guy.

But the question is, will he fit into Rod Brind'Amour's system, which is exclusively hard-nosed, north-south hockey? He wouldn't be out of the norm there, but how often do the Hurricanes use enforcers nowadays?

Doesn't seem to be too often lately from our perspective.

Smith last played for the Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Eagles, and Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2024-25.

He'd play 7 games in the NHL with the Avalanche and would be held scoreless.

His AHL totals are 3 points (1-2) in 16 games split between the Phantoms and the Eagles.

He'll have to work his way from the bottom up to find a spot in the Hurricanes organization.