Brendan Smith is now a New York Ranger. The Rangers acquired the Detroit Red Wings defenseman for a second round pick and a third round pick today, following the news that Dan Girardi is out for at least two weeks. The Rangers have been involved in rumors swirling around Smith for weeks now, so the move was likely not a reaction move to Girardi, or the Capitals acquiring Kevin Shattenkirk.
Following the Capitals acquiring Shattenkirk, however, it would have been simple for the Rangers to throw in the towel. Instead, they brought in a(nother) left handed defenseman to aid their playoff run.