Defenseman Brendan Smith skated on Wisconsin's fourth forward line in today's practice, alongside Andy Bohmbach and Aaron Bendickson. While coach Mike Eaves cautioned afterward that there probably will be different units together Tuesday, it was a sign that the Badgers are strongly considering Smith as a forward and an insurance policy for Saturday's NCAA tournament opener against Denver.

Smith has missed the last 17 games as he recovers from a back injury, so it would be a gamble. But it might be a risk the Badgers have to take.

Senior defenseman Kyle Klubertanz was limited in practice last week because of a leg injury that also kept him out for the last part of the third period and in overtime of the Badgers' 4-3 loss to St. Cloud State on March 15. I didn't see how Klubertanz got hurt in that game, but my notes indicate that he limped off the ice with 5:26 remaining after icing the puck. A few minutes later, he tried to return to the ice to skate but quickly returned to the bench, where he slammed his stick against the boards in frustration.

Klubertanz took part in today's practice, seemingly without limitation, but the Badgers might still have concerns about how much playing the senior can do. That's where they could benefit from dressing Smith as a part of the fourth line, with the ability to move him back to defense if Klubertanz is sidelined during the game.

Smith's skills as a winger aren't in much question. Remember that when he played for the Toronto Marlies Minor Midget AAA program, he was a forward, and his linemates were Sam Gagner and John Tavares. Gagner is in the NHL, and Tavares is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft.

"I've played forward before, when I was younger," Smith said today. "I've still kind of got it. I tried to get back to it. I was a little rusty at the start of practice, but I think I was getting it a little more later."

Smith said he's back to good health, which is the reason why the Badgers can even consider putting him in the lineup.