Report: Rangers closing in on a deal with UFA defenseman

TSN’s Bob McKenzie is reporting that the New York Rangers are closing in on a deal with pending unrestricted free-agent Brendan Smith. Smith’s two-year, $5.5 million deal expires on July 1st and he’ll be looking for a raise on his $2.75 million salary. So, that begs the question, “what’s a fair price for Brendan Smith?”

Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in advance of the NHL’s Trade Deadline, Smith played 18 regular season and 12 playoff games with the Rangers last season, scoring just one goal and eight points. So long as his contract demands are reasonable, Rangers fans shouldn’t have any concern with bringing back Smith on a short-term contract. So, what’s the deal look like? Well..buckle up, Rangers fans.

Yikes. $4.35 per for four seasons seems like a steep overpay for Smith. Might this mean that the Rangers put themselves out of the Kevin Shattenkirk sweepstakes?

In 309 career NHL games, Smith has put up 16 goals and 71 points. His career high was just five goals and 19 points in 2013-14, so don’t expect any flashy numbers from the veteran defender should he decide to re-up with the Rangers this summer.