Brendan Smith has been announced as the Rangers nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
Each chapter of the PHWA nominates a player “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.”
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Smith has played in 58 games for the Rangers this season with 3 goals, 7 assists, a minus nine rating and an average of 15:32 per game.
Smith has been switching between defense and forward for the last number of weeks, usually skating on the Rangers fourth line.
David Quinn said of Smith recently, “he’s so competitive and plays at a pace that he is hard to contain and not easily denied. When he gets the puck in the offensive zone you better be ready to defend him because he is going to earn every ounce of ice. He’s a hockey player and done a good job.”
Smith has two seasons remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $4.35 million.
Adam Rotter: Smith has certainly bounced back from last season and looks like a better forward on this team than a defenseman. He’s worked hard, accepting being in and out of the lineup and then a position switch and makes an impact on the ice. Smith has definitely returned to being a player with value and someone that, if the Rangers are willing to eat some salary, they could move this summer.