Brendan Smith has found his next chance to crack an NHL roster.
The 36-year-old, who played both forward and defenseman for the Dallas Stars last season, signed a professional tryout contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, the team announced.
“Brendan Smith is an experienced, physical blueliner that competes hard and is sound in the defensive zone,” said Columbus President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell in a statement.
“He is a veteran presence with great character and professionalism, and we are excited to have the opportunity to bring him to (training) camp.”
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The Stars added Smith in free agency last summer on a one-year deal worth $1 million to serve as a depth piece in both Dallas’ forward and defensemen groups. But Smith saw the ice sparingly, appearing in just 32 games total and recording one goal and five assists. He averaged just 13:13 of ice time.
Smith struggled to maintain a spot in the lineup as a defenseman, and while he arguably played his best games as a Star at forward, he was ultimately a healthy scratch for the entire postseason.
Smith enters his 15th season in the NHL with his sixth team, after previously spending time with the Red Wings, Rangers, Hurricanes and Devils.
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