Brendan Smith
Lastly, it is another of the former Rangers on this roster. He’s not always found himself in the lineup, but when he has been, he’s given everything. As a player that committed himself to helping the organization by aiding the development of some of the younger guys on the roster, Brendan Smith has done most of his good work in practices and in the locker room, but his on-ice product hasn’t been too bad.
Smith was originally attracted to Carolina via the pull of Carolina’s illustrious head coach and working for one of the best man managers in the hockey world. Smith has taken steps towards becoming a coach this season and he’s been good. He might not be ready to call it quits on his NHL career and his playing career in general just yet, but he’s done himself no disservice this season.
I’m going to make this simple. If Smith signs a one or two-year extension at the same average annual value that he is on right now, it is a no-risk signing and I would thoroughly enjoy it. Smith isn’t someone that is going to play night in and night out anymore. He’s just not fast enough. He’s got a place in select games where it is more of a physical matchup, certainly. We know Smith is willing to give up the body for his team and do whatever he can to help.
So, that is it for this one. Of this group of six, who would you bring back and who would you let walk away? Is there anyone you want to see back right now regardless of their cap hit? I know that this isn’t something anyone wants to talk about at this moment in time, but it’s been nice to step away from the playoffs for a second and think about the future.