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Rangers' Brendan Smith: Pens four-year deal

Acquired via trade during the 2016-17 campaign, Smith was likely one of New York's priorities heading into free agency, as he quickly became a valuable contributor on Broadway. The 28-year-old is unlikely to offer much in terms of offensive production -- he registered a mere nine points last year -- but he'll be vital to the Rangers' success, as he eats up significant ice time (20:10 per game) while contributing tough defense and penalty killing.

Rangers' Brendan Smith: Left available for expansion draft

Smith's arrival in New York during this past season gave the Rangers an additional body -- and some chippy play -- on defense, but he didn't enjoy much of an uptick offensively, managing four points in 18 regular-season games and then another four (all assists) in 12 playoff contests. That in mind, Smith probably isn't the most attractive candidate for Vegas to select among the Rangers' unprotected players, particularly considering that he'll be an unrestricted free agent come July 1. Smith has, however, expressed interest in staying in New York, where his style of play fits pretty well.

Rangers' Brendan Smith: Leads team in Game 4 ice time

Smith's line score also shows four giveaways, so it wasn't exactly an impressive performance, but he also had to deal with some extremely physical -- perhaps line-crossing -- play by the Habs that went unpenalized, especially in the third period. That's playoff hockey, though. The 28-year-old Smith doesn't seem like he's ever going to realize the offensive upside he flashed in college and the AHL, but he's grown into an important piece of the Rangers' blue line since coming over at the trade deadline.

Rangers' Brendan Smith: Posts pair of helpers in Friday's loss

The points were Smith's first in eight games in a Rangers uniform. Smith is a stay-at-home defenseman who rarely finds his name onto the scoresheet, so don't get terribly excited about this performance. He still has just seven points overall this season, and his career best was 19 points in 2013-14. Avoid him in all but the deepest of fantasy pools.

Rangers' Brendan Smith: Shipped to New York

The former Wisconsin Badger had increasingly been the subject of trade talks in recent days, with many teams rumored to be interested. Smith can play both the left and right side, so he'll provide the Rangers with some much-needed depth on the blue line. As for his fantasy value, Smith has demonstrated some offensive potential in the past, but he has only five points in 33 games this season.