Rangers make a move and add defenseman Brendan Smith

Anthony Scultore Updated: Feb 28, 2017

The Rangers are without Kevin Klein and Dan Girardi tonight forcing a call up of Steve Kampfer. Losing out on Kevin Shattenkirk as well, the Rangers have taken a flyer on Detroit defenseman, Brendan Smith.

DET/NYR working to finalize trade for Brendan Smith. Not officially done yet but hearing pair of picks, incl 2nd rder, would be included.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 28, 2017

Darren Dreger has also confirmed the deal, stating it is two picks. Meanwhile, pending a trade call it looks the picks are a 2nd and 3rd rounder.

Pending a trade call (not official until then), DET will get 2nd rder and 3rd rder, both in 2017, from NYR for Brendan Smith.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 28, 2017

Couple of things on DET-NYR Smith trade. 1. Trade call not yet done. Coming soon. 2. My mistake on 2nd rd pick, 2018, not 2017. Doh.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 28, 2017

Who is Brendan Smith?

This is certainly a depth move and Smith has the ability to play both sides comfortably. The 28 year old is 6’2″, weighs 211 and shoots left handed (not exactly what the Rangers were looking for). He is a solid defenseman who can play top 4 minutes. Even though he is a lefty, it would behoove Alain Vigneault to pair him with Ryan McDonagh to see if there’s a fit.

Smith will be a UFA this summer, so at this time he can be considered a rental. His current cap hit is 2.75M and it is believed he is looking for 3.5M a year or better. Contract talks failed with Detroit thus spurring the move. If the Rangers can shed some of their dead weight this summer, expect them to lock up Smith to a reasonable deal.

The question is….will he make it to NY in time for tonight’s game?