Red Wings send Smith to Rangers for pair of draft picks

The Detroit Red Wings have traded defenseman Brendan Smith to the New York Rangers, the club announced Tuesday.

In exchange for Smith, 28, the Red Wings will receive a 2018 second-round pick and a 2017 third-rounder.

The Rangers were reportedly in the mix for Kevin Shattenkirk, who was dealt to the Capitals on Monday, but in Smith, the Blueshirts receive a viable consolation prize to shore up a back-end in need of more mobility.

Smith carries a cap hit of $2.75 million, and will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. In 33 games this season, he has just two goals and three assists, but was one of few possession drivers on a struggling Red Wings team.