Former first round pick becomes available for the New York Rangers following latest waiver move
The New York Rangers have a chance to claim former 1st-round pick, Ty Smith as the Carolina Hurricanes have placed him on waivers. If he clears today he will have to report to the Chicago Wolves in the AHL.
The New York Rangers and GM Chris Drury could add to their defensive depth if they decide to claim former 1st-round pick Ty Smith from the rival Hurricanes.
Smith, has been a depth addition to the Hurricanes roster and has spent the majority of this season in the AHL, with the Wolves.
The depth defenseman was drafted 17th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, and has found himself in a journeyman position. The Hurricanes are the third team he's played for and this season has played 8 games, and scored 2 points (1 G, 1 A) before being sent down to the AHL.
Smith could very well prove to be an intriguing option for some teams around the league given his very affordable cap hit and short term contract. The 24 year old is currently on a 1 year deal with a cap hit of just $775,000 which makes him a low risk/affordable type of option for teams looking to add depth on the blue line.
Smith was sent to the Carolina Hurricanes, as a piece attached to the deal which sent forward Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Smith has played very well at the AHL level with 3 goals and 7 assists for a total of 10 points in just 13 games, boasting a plus minus rating of +11 and 23 penalty minutes at the AHL level this season.
The defenseman has had a tough time cracking an NHL lineup despite his respectable production at the AHL level.
As defensemen are one of the tougher positions to develop in the NHL, he could find himself claimed by a team that needs defensive depth and is cheap.
A value proposition that a contending team or a rebuilding team could use. The 24-year-old is still young and could find a spot in the AHL with the Hartford Wolfpack, and be a player who the Rangers could call-up when injuries arise.
The No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft is a prototype of the modern-day, top-four defenseman: he is an excellent skater who can drive offense from the back end and play huge minutes on a nightly basis. Put up huge scoring totals in junior hockey but has to get stronger and round out his game to thrive in the NHL as he begins to approach his prime.
And if GM Chris Drury of the Rangers decides to make major trades during the offseason.
Either way, his contract will be very useful to a team who could use a defenseman with offensive upside.
Rotowire Fri, Jan 10, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Smith logged an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Maple Leafs.
This is a defenseman the Rangers could slot into the lineup immediately and add some juice on a blueline which seems to have run dry.
| POLL |
5 HOURS AGO | 137 ANSWERS Former first round pick becomes available for the New York Rangers following latest waiver move Should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers claim defenseman Ty Smith from their rival Carolina Hurricanes? |
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