Freshman Brendan Smith came to the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team as a highly regarded defenseman, but his next action might be at wing.

Smith skated on the fourth line Monday because UW coach Mike Eaves said he might need insurance if senior defenseman and assistant captain Kyle Klubertanz (leg) runs into trouble during the NCAA Midwest regional semifinal against Denver Saturday at the Kohl Center.

Smith, a first-round NHL draft pick of Detroit in 2007, has missed the past 17 games with what he described as a bulging disc in his lower back.

"It doesn't matter where. I just want to play," Smith said.