Brendan Smith on Waivers

Feb 8, 2018

Steven Ryan

Though it hasn’t been officially announced as of yet, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith has been placed on waivers.

Smith was signed to a four-year contract this summer on the heels of a solid performance in the 2017 postseason for the Blueshirts. However, his play this season has not reflected anywhere near the $4.35 million he is making in each of those four years. Smith has just eight points (G, 7A) in 44 games this year, but that isn’t why he is being sent to the waiver wire; it’s his defensive game. Smith has looked about as bad as anyone could’ve imagined, making positioning mistakes and mental gaffes throughout the season. Smith has a modified no-trade clause in his contract, so unless he is claimed on waivers, he will remain in the organization. This now explains why the Rangers called up Neal Pionk today with the roster spot open on the blue line.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/961646818894405632

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