The Detroit Red Wings made the smart choice. They traded defenseman Brendan Smith to the New York Rangers for a 2nd round pick in 2018 and a 3rd round pick in 2017.
It has been obvious for a few months now that the Red Wings, for the long term success of the franchise, needed to be sellers. And with today’s trade General Manager Ken Holland finally admitted it is time.
Smith was set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, and with a little over $67 million committed to the cap next season there was not much room for a Smith extension, especially with some of the other contacts the Wings have on the books.