New Blueshirt’s college reunion

TRADES can be an unfortunate part of the business of professional sports. Players are forced to start over in new cities, with new teammates, new coaches and unfamiliar surroundings.

But for Brendan Smith, the 28-year-old defenseman the Rangers acquired via trade Tuesday evening from the Red Wings, the process has been made easier thanks to familiar faces. Smith played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. And the Ranger stars have helped Smith feel at home during his first two days in New York.

Smith, who is also “good buddies” with fellow Toronto native and Rangers forward Brandon Pirri, will make his debut tonight at the Bruins. He practiced for the first time with the team Wednesday.

“It’s awesome,” Smith said of reuniting with Stepan and McDonagh. “You don’t get to see them enough when you’re on the road or in different cities. So it’s kind of cool to rekindle that friendship that we’ve had and kind of build it from there. They’re great guys.”

Smith and McDonagh started rediscovering their on-ice chemistry Wednesday. The two defensemen were paired together for practice, and Alain Vigneault said they will “probably” play together tonight.

Both Smith and McDonagh are left-handed, but Smith doesn’t view that as an issue. He enjoys playing on the right side and has done so “on many different teams.”

Smith and McDonagh also played together on and off during their three years together at Wisconsin.

“We have played with each other quite a bit,” Smith said. “We work well.”

McDonagh is excited about the addition of his friend.

“That competitiveness, it comes out from him on the ice,” the Ranger captain said. “When he’s challenged by somebody, that’s when he really thrives. He’s always been an in-your-face kind of player and someone that wants to step up and make plays at crucial points in the game and be an impact player. It’s going to bring a lot of versatility for us. And as we go on here, he’ll get more comfortable and we’ll get a good role carved out for him.”

At the very least, Smith will add depth to a Rangers defensive unit that’s been hampered by injury.

Dan Girardi (ankle wound) and Kevin Klein (back spasms) both remain out. As a result, Smith will quickly take on a substantial role on the blue line.

Smith himself has dealt with multiple knee injuries this season. He missed most of December with an MCL sprain, then suffered a setback in early January, though he said the knee feels “real good” now.

RANGERS at BRUINS 7:00 on MSG