Sure, Many Rangers Fans Were Hoping to See Kevin Shattenkirk in a Blue Shirt by Tuesday Night but, Alas, Shattenkirk Was Sent to Washington. Instead, New York Made a Deal for Another D-Man, Brendan Smith from Detroit. He Isn't Shattenkirk But He is a Good Fit.
The New York Rangers have been a long time believed landing place for former-Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Talks had gone on and on about how the d-man was hoping to land, and re-sign, in New York but, we know now, that isn't what happened.
St.Louis sent Shattenkirk to Washington and many Rangers fans were disappointed with the outcome, despite Shattenkirk's previous statements that he wished to sign with New York. Regardless, Shattenkirk, as of now, will become a UFA and who knows whether or not he'll approach New York.
No matter that, the Rangers made other plans and sent Detroit two draft picks to bring Brendan Smith to New York.
A Little About New Ranger Brendan Smith
The 28-year-old defenseman was drafted 27th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Red Wings and is currently in his sixth NHL season. In his career, Smith has 15 goals and 67 points in 291 NHL games. This season, Smith is posting two goals and five points in 33 games (hindered by injuries).
Smith is a large player and stands at 6-foot-2 and 211lbs. His playing style is big and defensive and, while he isn't a majorly offensive player, he provides solid defense and is an effective body in front of the net.
Smith has good possession and can move the puck, despite his lack of offensive production. His grit and ability to block shots make him a solid defenseman. He averages a little over 18 minutes per game and has had a big presence on the power play and power kill.
A Good Fit for the New York Rangers
A lot of New York fans were hoping for Shattenkirk and, of course, his presence would have been a big boost for the Rangers, but Smith is a good fit also.
Smith will be another big body for the Rangers and the fact that he can bring some grit and toughness will help the team out. Sure, this grit won't be a season-changer for the team but it is a necessary presence they need on the ice.
Smith has 291 hits and 260 blocked shots in his career of 291 games and this is something the Rangers will benefit greatly from. New York has offensive puck moving d-men, therefore, a big guy by the net will be a benefit to them.
Smith has the ability to hold onto the puck, make giveaways happen and, simply, can get in the way. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has made requests for his defense to block more shots and help him out more and Smith can provide that kind of presence.
Stopping goals, stopping plays, and being a big presence on the ice is what the Rangers need and Smith can provide exactly that. He won't offer offense to Shattenkirk's caliber and won't be a season-changing d-man, but he doesn't have to be he just needs to help defend the net and help the team grab wins.
Moving Forward
Let's face it, one new d-man, Shattenkirk or not, wasn't what was going to stand between the Rangers and the Stanley Cup. The Rangers didn't grab Shattenkirk by the deadline but they did grab a solid d-man who can contribute to this team and be a big improvement from the play the Rangers' defense has been showing off as of late.
One player won't be the difference maker for the season, but a new d-man is needed to shake things up and improve the defensive play. Smith is going to be a good defensive boost for the Rangers and will hopefully help the team get their defensive play in order.
There is still time before the final hour of the NHL's trade deadline and who knows if Rangers GM Jeff Gorton will decide to make more moves. Gorton recently stated that if he found a good deal for a player that would benefit the team, he would do it, so only time will tell.
Regardless, Smith has the ability to be a real beneficial player for the Rangers and, at the very least, a good solid defensive boost.
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