Rangers trade for Brendan Smith, send Buchnevich to AHL
The Rangers have just traded for Brendan Smith of the Detroit Red Wings. The price? A pair of picks, including a second 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
The Rangers’ don’t pick in the second round in the 2017 Draft. They have two second round picks in the 2018 Draft thanks to the Derick Brassard trade. One of those picks is almost certainly involved in the Smith deal.
The Red Wings were working to sign Smith to an extension but ultimately decided that his price tag was too high.
Red Wings have decision to make at deadline with Brendan Smith. If deal gets done, likely to be around 3 years and $3.75M per. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) February 28, 2017
Told Smith rejected Wings offer, Wings wouldn't increase, and away we go... https://t.co/BRDRfy8io1
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2017
What are the Rangers Getting?
Brendan Smith is an excellent 3rd pair defender (maybe 2nd) who doesn't score himself and has great power-play numbers. pic.twitter.com/6JqhVlY9Sm
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) February 28, 2017
Smith is a 28-year-old defenseman that instantly makes the Rangers’ blue line better (if he is used correctly). He can play both sides which should help to patch up the Rangers’ lackluster right side. What this means for Kevin Klein and his role on the team remains to be seen.
It sounds like there was some competition for Smith that drove the price up.
The Rangers also moved rookie Pavel Buchnevich to the AHL. Although the move was likely just a “paper transaction” to comply with roster spot rules. We hope.
Probably an on-paper move until the roster limit is lifted at 5pm. I hope... https://t.co/JD5gCQWazF
— HockeyStatMiner (@HockeyStatMiner) February 28, 2017
UPDATE (1:00pm):
NYR are most definitely interested in extending Smith's contract. Not urgent, but something both sides will consider.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 28, 2017
The Rangers might be looking at Smith as much more than a rental. If that is the case, expect them to do something else with the blue line here at the deadline.
