vancouver takes on 7m in salary and sends the rangers a 2nd round pick as a thank you?

I agree. In taking on Smith's salary, you would give up Strome (or even Vesey) without any extra compensation. Vancouver keeps the 2nd, and I would still love this deal as a Ranger fan.

Not as a "thank you", as you're suggesting. I proposed this deal for consideration. As a Ranger fan, I would have no issue with skipping the pick; the remaining return is sufficient.

By the way, the two remaining seasons on Smith's contract are not Earth-shattering. At best, he offers a stabilizing #4 defenseman, following a likely departure of Edler and elevation of Hutton to the top pairing with Tanev. Placing Smith with Stecher ought to balance Vancouver's pairings, as they'll look to ease Hughes and other young defenders into their lineup.

The pick was actually for Strome, along with Schaller, who provides a fourth line center to a team in need for one.