brendan smith

Per Bob McKenzie, the Rangers are working to finalize a deal for Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith. The deal, which is not finalized, is said to include at least a pair of picks, including a 2nd rounder is for a 2018 2nd and a 2017 3rd.

Smith is a notable upgrade on Kevin Klein on the right side, even as a lefty. He got off to a very rough start to the year, but has been steadily improving his play. He’s much better than any non-McDonagh/Skjei defenseman –yes, even Holden– so he certainly moves the needle on the blue line.

For me, I’m ok with the trade (assuming it’s just one second rounder) in a vacuum, however it doesn’t address the major problem, which is a 1RD. Perhaps something bigger is coming, perhaps not, but this doesn’t get them over the Washington/Pittsburgh hump.

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