Mike Brudenell

Detroit Free Press

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith is looking forward to more minutes on the ice this season -- and perhaps a chance to contribute on the power play.

Smith talked about his need to play a bigger role on the young team after today’s morning skate for tonight's exhibition against the Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena (6 p.m., NHL Network).

Petr Mrazek and Jared Coreau are listed as goalies for the Wings. Smith, Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Robbie Russo, Steve Ott, Tyler Bertuzzi and Danny DeKeyser also will play.

“I think the coaches are going to give me a bit more of an opportunity (to play),” Smith said. “I got to grasp that. I thought I played well last year. I just want to continue where I left off. I want to make good defensive passes and contribute offensively. But basically, I want to keep getting better and make more strides going forward.”

Smith believes he can be a leader on the ice.

“I’m excited,” he said. “Hopefully, I get more opportunity to play, get bigger minutes and hopefully … have that chance that my jersey is in the locker room all the time.”

Asked about his role on the power play, Smith seemed keen to be considered.

“Don’t know about that yet,” he said. “Nothing is written in stone and, even during the year, it’s not. But if you want to be on the power play, you’ve got to be productive. We’ll see how that goes.”

Wings coach Jeff Blashill said during the morning skate that he wants Smith to work on pushing up the ice and “be physical and get the stick on the puck.”

“One stick on the puck,” Blashill said. “It’s a stick-on-puck league. Be physical but get the stick on the puck.”

Blashill also is looking for Smith and fellow defensemen to “eliminate big mistakes.”

“I think Brendan can do a good job,” Blashill said.

Smith said he is comfortable with the challenges the coaches have set before him.

“I think I’ve been told I have to take on a bigger role,” Smith said. “Obviously, the game has gone younger now. I’ve gotten a little bit older. I’ve got to take on a bigger role and I welcome the challenge to produce and help out.

“There are going to be a couple more doors open (this season). I just got to walk through them."

Detroit Red Wings prospect Robbie Russo has greater comfort level