The Detroit Red Wings have traded defenseman Brendan Smith to the New York Rangers, the club announced Tuesday.
In exchange for Smith, 28, the Red Wings will receive a 2018 second-round pick and a 2017 third-rounder.
The Rangers were reportedly in the mix for Kevin Shattenkirk, who was dealt to the Capitals on Monday, but in Smith, the Blueshirts receive a viable consolation prize to shore up a back-end in need of more mobility.
Smith carries a cap hit of $2.75 million, and will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. In 33 games this season, he has just two goals and three assists, but was one of few possession drivers on a struggling Red Wings team.
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