Ex-Rangers Defenseman Has One Last Chance To Keep His Career Alive After Signing New PTO

Earlier on Monday morning, reports broke out that revealed former New York Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith had signed a Professional Tryout with the Columbus Blue Jackets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

Throughout the offseason Smith had secured a PTO with the Blue Jackets, but unfortunately it didn't quite work out the way he was expecting as the organization released him from his PTO. However, he has been given another opportunity to keep his career alive after landing a Professional Tryout with the Monsters.

Certainly seems like his chance to make a lasting impression on a organization to keep his career alive in North America.

Just last season, Smith played for the Dallas Stars, where he recorded one goal, six points, 33 penalty minutes, and 41 hits in 32 games. Certainly a significant decrease in production as the season prior he recorded five goals, 10 assists, 15 points, 61 penalty minutes, 101 blocks, and 117 hits in 63 games with the Devils during the 2023-24 season.

However, with that being said the 36-year old defenseman has always been known as a solid defender in the National Hockey League. Smith proved to be a valuable defenseman for the New York Rangers once he joined the organization after being traded from the Detroit Red Wings during the 2016-17 season.

During his time with the Rangers, Smith played a total of 235 games over five seasons where he tallied 14 goals and 29 assists for a total of 43 points, before Smith signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021 as a free agent.