Rumor: 1st round D-man to move again before the Trade Deadline!

Many teams are seeking help on the back end and a few names have come up; players that might become available before the Trade Deadline. However, the New York Rangers, who are said to be looking to boost their offense, might be placing a defenseman back on the block, and not just any defender.

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers are expected to once again leave blueliner Brendan Smith in the press box for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was a healthy scratch for two games already this season. 

Smith, who was acquired at the Deadline last season, had an interesting playoff push and was expected to be a key member of the defensive corps, especially after Dan Girardi's contract was bought out. 

"Buying out noble Dan Girardi and replacing him with free-agent signee Kevin Shattenkirk was supposed to take care of a lot of the issues the Blueshirts had in getting out of their zone the last couple seasons. Newsflash: It did not," Brooks writes.

Several rival teams are looking for help on the back end, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals. They could look to bid for Smith, in hopes that a change of scenery will spark him back. In 11 games this season, Smith has amassed two assists. 

Brooks made sure to point out that Chris Kreider is not on the trading block and neither is J.T. Miller. However, after suggesting that Smith could be moved, the reporter wondered if other names could be used as trade bait. 

"Does that mean Mats Zuccarello would have to go? Or would the Canadiens insist on Brady Skjei as the central piece of the return for Alex Galchenyuk?"

Smith was selected in the first round, 27th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings back in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.