The New York Rangers acquired Brendan Smith from the Detroit Red Wings to help bolster their defense. Acquired at what was once considered a steep price for a rental, Smith has exceeded expectations and has become a key part to a potential Cup run. He has shown qualities that could lead to long-term success on the Broadway Blue Line, and Jeff Gorton needs to recognize that.
When Brendan Smith was acquired from Detroit on February 28th for a second and third round draft pick, some were skeptical as to if his usage would be worth the price. New York Rangers’ head coach Alain Vigneault has had a history of misusing deadline acquisitions before due to his comfort elsewhere in the lineup (see: Keith Yandle and Eric Staal). Even then, Smith had been buried on the third defensive pairing at times behind the trainwreck that has been Marc Staal and Nick Holden.
However, despite bouncing between the second and third pairings, Smith has shown he is more than capable of standing his ground in his own zone. He hasn’t been shy when it comes to creating offense either. Despite not being a player that racks up points, Smith’s skating ability has gotten the Rangers out of danger and set up offensive opportunities.
Most fans held their breath hoping Vigneault would keep Smith in the lineup come playoffs with a healthy team. Instead, Smith came to lead all Rangers in ice time for Game 4. So it certainly seems he’s earned the coaching staff’s trust.
Bring Him Back
The Rangers have been starved of defensemen that have the ability to both skate and shut down the opposition. Ryan McDonagh has taken that role for years and now with Brady Skjei coming into his own, keeping Smith around only helps the cause further.
A big plus in Smith’s game is that he is an elite shot suppressor. Something the Rangers have needed badly for a few seasons now. Another characteristic to his game that fans will appreciate is that Smith plays with an edge. Smith has shown he is not afraid to stick up for himself or teammates, and as the Canadiens took liberties on him late in Game 4, he battled through.
Smith is 28 years old, not the age you’d want locking up players long term, but a 3-4 year contract is certainly manageable, assuming he doesn’t get Girardi/Staal money. Smith’s coming off a 2 year, $5.5 million contract with a $2.75 million cap hit, so a huge raise would be a surprise.
Under the assumption one of Staal/Girardi/Holden/Klein are not with the team next season, Smith can easily slot in even with the addition of another defenseman (cough, Kevin Shattenkirk, cough).
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The Rangers have a chance to mold the defense back to Stanley Cup contending quality, and re-signing Brendan Smith should become one of the priorities.
Defensemen that can skate and play as well as he can in his own zone are not to be taken for granted in this league.