DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings reassigned rookie defenseman Brendan Smith to the Grand Rapids Griffins following Saturday's 5-4 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at Joe Louis Arena.

Smith, 23, played well in his second stint with the club this season. He moved the puck quickly out his zone, joined the rush and played physical. In 14 games with Detroit, he has one goal, six assists and a plus-3 rating.

But with Nicklas Lidstrom and Jakub Kindl returning from injuries on Saturday and Jonathan Ericsson expected back Monday against Columbus, the Red Wings will have seven healthy defensemen.

They need Smith to log a lot of minutes in all situations with the Griffins, who are trying to make the AHL playoffs.

Smith will return to Detroit as a Black Ace (playoff reserve) after the Griffins season is complete.