Red Wings top defensive prospect Brendan Smith will have a hearing with the NHL after his shoulder hit to the head of Chicago’s Ben Smith during Wednesday nights preseason game from the United Center.

Brendan Smith will meet with NHL disciplinarian chief Brendan Shanahan (a former Red Wing) who could end up suspending the young defenseman for five or more games. Brendan Smith could either meet with him in person or waive that right and conduct the meeting over the phone. Ansar Khan of Mlive.com believes the meeting will be conducted over phone.

Shanahan has already issued seven suspensions this preseason because of hits to the head which the NHL is trying to cut down on. Brendan Smith was issued a 10 minute major and game misconduct because of the hit.

UPDATE: The Wings will not know until tomorrow (Friday) what the league will do with Brendan Smith. It seems like the general consensus is a five game suspension, three preseason games and two regular season games.

Re: Mlive.com