Veteran defenseman Brendan Smith signs a one year deal with a new NHL team

This just in, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed 36 year old defenseman Brendan Smith to a one year contract, believed to be worth the league minimum of $850,000.

The 36 year old defenseman had been playing with the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters, scoring one assist in 11 games so far thsi season. He played last season for the Dallas Stars, putting up one goal and six points in 32 games. In total he has managed 39 goals and 144 points over 726 career NHL games split between the Stars, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.

The native of Mimico, ON was drafted 27th overall by the Red Wings back in 2007.