Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Are Reportedly Targeting Brendan Smith
The New York Rangers are one of the teams looking to make a move at the trade deadline and they are reportedly interested in acquiring Kevin Shattenkirk. However, reports have been saying that the St. Louis Blues are asking too much for the defenseman. Well, Shattenkirk isn't the only defenseman on the trade market and the Rangers can always turn elsewhere to add depth to their defense.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Rangers might target Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith instead if the asking price for Shattenkirk does not go down.
Smith's offensive production pales in comparison with that of Shattenkirk, but he is a solid defender and he may turn out to be the deadline rental the Rangers need to get them over the hump in the Eastern Conference. Smith struggled a bit after coming back from a knee injury, but he has always been a consistent player.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
National Hockey League (NHL) insider Chris Nichols said a lot of teams are interested in the defenseman, so the Rangers might have to come up with a deal fast if they want to get him.
Smith is aware that his name has appeared in trade rumors, and he talked about it during the team's bye week and he said he's not worried about what he doesn't control.
"I'm just trying to get away and relax and get away from hockey during that time. I won't really think about it too much. Obviously if something happens, my agent will let me know or I'll see it on social media. You guys are pretty quick on it. Other than that, I just try to get ready to be a Wing and be ready to play and go about it like that," he said last week, according to NHL.com.
Smith knows that he may get traded before the deadline, but right now, he will continue to play to the best of his abilities for the Red Wings.
