Signed: Former Rangers Defenseman Secures Contract With Metropolitan Division Rivals

According to recent reports former New York Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith has just signed a professional contract (PTO) with the New York Rangers Metropolitan Division rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Brendan Smith was left as an unrestricted free agent after just playing 32 games last season with the Dallas Stars, where he tallied one goal and five assist for a total of six points.

However, the 36-year old veteran defenseman has been given another chance to show that he still deserves to be playing in the National Hockey League.

Smith was originally drafted by Detroit Red Wings during the first-round (27th Overall) of the 2007 NHL Draft.

Smith has gone from a defenseman to a forward and back to a defenseman since entering the NHL during the 2011-12 season with the Red Wings, where he played five and half seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers.

After playing 18 games with the Rangers, he signed a four-year contract with the New York Rangers organization on June 29, 2017. However, the team struggled during the 2017-18 season which lead to Smith lossing his regular spot on the Rangers roster and was sent to Hartford of the AHL in February 2018.

Unfortunately, things didn't get better as soon after, he broke his hand, which resulted in his season ending.

Throughout 14 seasons in the NHL, Smith has played a total of 726 split between the Red Wings, Rangers, Hurricanes, Devils and lastly the Dallas Stars, and managed to tally a total of 144 points ( 39 G, 105 A).