Brendan Smith seems to have found a home in the Big Apple.
Smith, who was traded by the Detroit Red Wings to the New York Rangers on Feb. 28 for two draft picks, is set to sign a four-year deal with the Rangers reportedly worth $4.35 million a year, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.
Recommended Videos
NYR and Brendan Smith are close to finalizing what is expected to be a four-year deal.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 28, 2017
It will be an AAV of $4.35M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 28, 2017
Smith was a 1st-round draft pick by the Red Wings in 2007 when they selected him 27th overall. He secured a full-time role with the Red Wings by 2013 when he had 5 points in 14 playoff games that spring. His best season with Detroit was in 2013-14 when he scored 5 goals and 14 assists in 71 games played.
Smith never became the top pairing defenseman the Red Wings suspected he could be when they drafted him from the University of Wisconsin. It became clear he would be moved sooner than later.
He filled a role this spring on an injured Rangers blueline, pairing up with young Brady Skjei. Smith compiled 4 points in 12 playoff games and made enough of an impact to convince Rangers management to hold onto him, otherwise he would have become a free agent this summer. He'll likely stay in the bottom pairing with the Rangers.