NHLTR Mock Trade: Penguins Trade Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights and Pittsburgh Penguins are two teams heading in opposite directions, aligning them perfectly to make a trade together before the March 8 trade deadline.

Vegas has just announced that captain Mark Stone will be out long term, which has freed up some significant cap space ahead of next Friday's deadline. The Golden Knights are in the market for a top-nine winger and a familiar face could be making his way back to the Vegas strip.

NHLTR Mock Trade: Penguins deal Reilly Smith to the Golden Knights for 2024 third-round pick

This third-round pick has been moved multiple times between the two clubs, so what's another? Smith owns a modified no-trade clause, however a move back to the Golden Knights and a chance to play for the Cup should make the approval list.

So far in 49 games as a Penguin, Smith hasn't been able to find his mojo, only scoring 10 times and collecting 24 points. He scored 26 times last season in Vegas and has shown to be a solid performer in the postseason.

Smith is owed $5 million this season and next and in Pittsburgh, Kyle Dubas is doing whatever he can to shift some resources, try to get the roster younger, and set his team up for success next season. Moving Smith's $5 million should help.

If this deal doesn't work out between the two clubs, look for the Florida Panthers to be an option for the Penguins to consider.

Friedman and Marek on TJMS agree that Reilly Smith back in Florida would be a good fit.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) February 22, 2024

The Penguins could move Reilly Smith and a reunion with the Vegas Golden Knights isn't out of the question.

Presented by @DoorDash https://t.co/6ZfKhXBzQ7 pic.twitter.com/jSkS3GujaG
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) February 22, 2024