Prior to the 2007 Draft, Smith was a member of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League's St. Michael's Buzzers. In 2007, he finished his second season with St. Michael's leading all defencemen in points with 36. Smith was selected to participate in the CJAHL All-Star Game in 2006. Smith played for Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge 2006, helping his team win silver. Smith played three seasons for the University of Wisconsin–Madison before he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings, on May 27, 2010. Smith made his NHL debut on November 17, 2011, against the San Jose Sharks. Smith was called up on February 27, 2012, to replace Mike Commodore, who had been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on the same day. He scored his first NHL goal against Josh Harding of the Minnesota Wild at the Joe Louis Arena on March 2, 2012.