12th year veteran, unrestricted free agent defenseman Brendan Smith(7) signs a new deal with Carolina Hurricanes for 2021/2022.
He’ll definitely help solidify the blue line for his new club.
The 6’2′ 200 lbs. d-man has a hefty 526 NHL games experience, scoring 29 goals and 81 assists.
Originally a Detroit Red Wings‘ 1st round pick in the 2007 draft (#27 overall), he played the first 7 years of his pro career in their system.
He’s almost oddly, quietly skated for New York Rangers the last four years and sort of no surprise he didn’t continue.
The 32-year old, former University Of Wisconsin Badgers, who put up a huge 15 goals and 37 assists in 42 Big10 games, has to be happy just playing and could split for some overseas looks before retiring.
Heading into 2022/2023, he records 4 goals and 4 assists in 65 games with a +6 rating, then adds 4 more points in 14 playoff contests.
His accountability gets him a new 2-year deal with New Jersey Devils worth $1.1M AAV and at the very least will help stabilize their blue line.
After 2 seasons with the same team, he moves to sign with Dallas Stars for 2024/2025.