Former Toledo Walleye defenseman Jalen Smereck has signed with the team’s top rival, the Fort Wayne Komets.

Smereck was Toledo's highest-scoring defenseman during the regular season last year. He tallied 46 points with eight goals and 38 assists in 70 games.

The 28-year-old Detroit native played for just one season for the Walleye. The veteran had 14 points with three goals and 11 assists in the playoffs last season, helping lead Toledo to the Kelly Cup Finals.

Smereck, who turned pro in 2018-19, has played in 252 ECHL games. The 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman has produced 215 total points with 41 goals and 174 assists.

In 2023-24, Smereck led all ECHL defensemen in scoring with 70 points in 71 games while playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones.

The offensive-minded defenseman, who is part

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