Smith is among the Rangers players left unprotected ahead of Wednesday's expansion draft.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's arrival in New York during this past season gave the Rangers an additional body -- and some chippy play -- on defense, but he didn't enjoy much of an uptick offensively, managing four points in 18 regular-season games and then another four (all assists) in 12 playoff contests. That in mind, Smith probably isn't the most attractive candidate for Vegas to select among the Rangers' unprotected players, particularly considering that he'll be an unrestricted free agent come July 1. Smith has, however, expressed interest in staying in New York, where his style of play fits pretty well.

Smith led all Rangers in ice time with 22:44 in Tuesday's 2-1 Game 4 victory over Montreal. He failed to record a shot or a point, but he did dish out three hits and go plus-1.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's line score also shows four giveaways, so it wasn't exactly an impressive performance, but he also had to deal with some extremely physical -- perhaps line-crossing -- play by the Habs that went unpenalized, especially in the third period. That's playoff hockey, though. The 28-year-old Smith doesn't seem like he's ever going to realize the offensive upside he flashed in college and the AHL, but he's grown into an important piece of the Rangers' blue line since coming over at the trade deadline.

Smith managed two assists, a plus-1 rating and a blocked shot in Friday's 4-3 shootout loss against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The points were Smith's first in eight games in a Rangers uniform. Smith is a stay-at-home defenseman who rarely finds his name onto the scoresheet so don't get terribly excited about this performance. He still has just seven points overall this season, and his career best was 19 points in 2013-14. Avoid him in all but the deepest of fantasy pools.

Smith was traded to the Rangers on Tuesday, with second- and third-round picks moving the other way, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.

EDGE Analysis

The former Wisconsin Badger had increasingly been the subject of trade talks in recent days, with many teams rumored to be interested. Smith can play on either side of defense and will provide the Rangers with some much needed depth on the blueline. From a fantasy standpoint, Smith has demonstrated some offensive potential in the past, but has only 5 points in 33 games this season.

Smith (knee) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has pitched in five points (two goals, three assists) in 24 games this season, as well as 33 hits and 24 blocked shots. He's a no-frills blueliner, but obviously held in higher regard than Alexey Marchenko, who the Red Wings waived -- he ended up getting claimed by Toronto -- in order to pave the way for Smith's return.

Smith (knee) could return Saturday night versus the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Primarily a stay-at-home defender, Smith has missed the past 12 games with his sprained knee, but this latest report notes that coach Jeff Blashill has been pleased with how he's progressing. The Red Wings need all the help they can get on the blue line, as goalies Petr Mrazek and Jared Coreau have a combined save percentage of .897 this season, while starter Jimmy Howard (knee) is being eased back into the mix.

Smith (knee) has effectively been ruled out for Tuesday's home game against the Devils. Ansar Khan of MLive.com relayed from coach Jeff Blashill that the defenseman is expected to return at some point this weekend.

EDGE Analysis

The struggling Wings will welcome the Islanders to Joe Louis Arena on Friday and then travel to Nashville for Saturday's tilt against the Predators -- based on the latest comments from the bench boss, it appears that Smith could be in the mix for at least one of those games. It seems like eons ago that Detroit had everyone healthy on the blue line at the same time, but that could very well be the case once Smith is fit to return. With that said, GM Ken Holland may be forced trim the fat to stay within the 23-man roster limit.

Smith (knee) will travel to Buffalo with the Red Wings facing the Sabres on Friday, though he's still expected to be out through the All-Star break.

EDGE Analysis

This news effectively rules out Smith for the next four games before having a chance to lace up for a Jan. 31 contest opposing the Devils at home. Fortunately, this news isn't likely to cause a stir in the fantasy realm; Smith is more of a stay-at-home type of defenseman.

Smith (knee) skated before practice Sunday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's missed the past five games with his knee injury, and he remains on injured reserve with fellow defenseman Niklas Kronwall. The next step in his rehab presumably is to join his teammates in practice. He's a no-frills blueliner on pace for only 13 points this season and thus carries minimal fantasy intrigue, though the Wings seemingly lack physicality when Smith's out of action.

Smith (knee) will be out of action for at least two more weeks as he battles symptoms of a sprained knee, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is eligible to return to action Jan. 14 against Pittsburgh but it appears he'll need some extra time to recover. The 27-year-old missed 12 games earlier in the campaign with knee issues but it is unclear if his most recent ailment is related. If he doesn't experience any setbacks in the next several weeks, he could be aiming for a return Jan. 24 in Boston.