Just eight months after signing a four-year deal worth $17.4 million, the Rangers have placed Brendan Smith on waivers.
In addition to the deal that was signed only 225 days ago, the Rangers also traded second- and third-round picks for the defenseman. Smith had a strong playoff run, which gave the Rangers reason to bring Smith back and offer him a hefty contract. However, the team has decided to go in a different direction after a struggling season.
The Rangers acquired Smith from the Red Wings at last year's dealine, but if the defenseman doesn't get claimed within 24 hours, he'll clear waivers and can be sent to AHL Hartford, the Rangers' affilate team.
The decision to place Smith on waivers resulted in a transaction move from the Rangers as the team recalled Neal Pionk from Hartford. Pionk, 22, has skated in 48 games with the affilate team this season, where he registered one goal and 16 assists for 17 points.
Among AHL rookie defensemen, Pionk ranks fifth in assists and ninth in points during his 2017-18 season.
