The topic of Ryan McDonagh’s defense partners has been one of the biggest focal points of this season. Despite McDonagh having a terrific overall season, it has been well documented that play has been dragged down at times when paired with the likes of Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein.
Adam Clendening has paired well with McDonagh, but this experiment has been limited by Vigneault’s unwillingness to play Clendening frequently. With the acquisition of Brendan Smith, the Rangers now have a player, and familiar face, that will bring the best out of McDonagh.
A Familiar Face
Brendan Smith already has a familiarity factor with two Rangers to help him get acclimated.