NHL Rumors: Golden Knights and Rangers Likely Trade Partners

The Vegas Golden Knights are going to have to shuffle some players to get Jack Eichel to fit under their salary cap. The newest Golden Knight is expected to play early in 2022, and word is the Golden Knights could be in contact with the New York Rangers about a trade to help their finances.

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Golden Knights and Rangers could become the perfect trade partners and expect to see Reilly Smith involved:

Hours after the trade, when asked how he would find the room to activate Jack Eichel, Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon said: “Sometimes you never return to full health … if and when that poses a challenge for us, we’ll address it at that time.” While it’s true the Golden Knights may never return to full health, Smith is at the top of the list of the options Vegas has to deal. His contract is expiring. If Nick Foligno fetched one first and two fourth-round picks, Smith should net a better return. A reunion with coach Gerard Gallant on a Rangers team that needs help on the right side would make a lot of sense.

 So far in 2021-22 Smith has appeared in 22 games and has scored 10 goals, adding six assists. He's pending free agent who is making $5 million on the cap. As Seravalli points out expectation would be at least a first-round pick and another piece of either a prospect or mid-round pick is likely the asking price out of Vegas.

The Rangers are rolling thanks to some steady goaltending so expect to see them very active closer to the trade deadline. They surely match up nicely with the Golden Knights for a trade and also have been linked to the Arizona Coyotes for Phil Kessel and the St Louis Blues regarding Vladimir Tarasenko. As for Smith, unless there's another injury or two to worry about in Vegas that helps them manage their cap, expect to see him moved this season.

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