(Tim Fuller/USA Today Sports)

It was up in the air whether or not General Manager Ken Holland would actually sell off some of the pieces the Wings had. It looks like he is finally coming through with the sell off.

As first reported by TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Brendan Smith is heading to the New York Rangers in exchange for two draft picks, a 2nd round and 3rd round pick both in 2017.

In another odd move by the league, the 2nd round pick in 2017 isn’t currently in the Rangers possession. They traded that away in the Eric Staal deal. We will update as details become available.

In 33 games this year, he only has five points on the season, he is currently on pace for season lows in points, goals and assists.

The good sign for anyone acquiring him is the fact that he is a positive shot differential player and has been his entire career. Any analytically minded front office would love to have Smith in the fold during their playoff run.

Smith is an unrestricted free agent after this year and could end up being a potential rental for the Rangers. Reported by multiple outlets, Smith left a 3 year, $ 3.5 million deal on the table. If that is the case, it may end up being too rich for the Rangers blood. They are a team that likes landing big fishes and Smith is decidedly not a big fish.

As the Metropolitan division arms race continues, the Rangers needed to keep up with the Capitals and the Penguins. They could ill afford not doing anything at the deadline. Smith should add some consistency to their back end as they have had a revolving door of defensemen due to injuries.

Smith may have not always been the most beloved player while in Detroit but he was always a consistent force when on the ice. 

A new era of Red Wings hockey is being ushered in.