Smith was recalled from AHL Chicago on Friday, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Smith was called up to serve as an extra defenseman as the Hurricanes embark on a six-game road trip. The 24-year-old defenseman has 123 games of NHL experience, in which he has 47 points, but he didn't see any time at the top level while playing with Pittsburgh and Carolina's minor-league affiliates last season.