NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers' Reilly Smith Linked To Former Team

Saturday, February 08, 2025 ,

The Vegas Golden Knights have been linked to a potential reunion with Reilly Smith as the New York Rangers look at trade options ahead of the deadline. 

Smith, who played a crucial role in Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup run, has struggled to find consistency in New York, tallying 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 53 games. 

Reports suggest Rangers GM Chris Drury is looking to move the veteran winger for draft capital, with a second and fifth-round pick seen as a reasonable return. 

With the Golden Knights adjusting to life without Jonathan Marchessault, Smith’s familiarity with the system and former teammates makes a trade an intriguing possibility.

Smith has spoken openly about how much Vegas meant to his career, calling his time with the team "a blessing in disguise" after being left exposed in the expansion draft. “I thought my career was over,” he admitted.

That experience, along with the team’s underdog mentality, fueled his success and made him a huge piece of their championship core, where he recorded 124 goals and 286 total points across 399 games and six seasons in Vegas.

His time with the Rangers has been less stable, with inconsistent ice time and a secondary role in the lineup. “I know when I’m playing well, and I know when I’m not,” he said recently. “If something isn’t working, I’m the one that’s going to make the change.”

If the Rangers move forward with a deal, Smith could be an ideal fit for a Golden Knights team looking for stability in its top six. 

Players like Victor Olofsson and Alexander Holtz have stepped into bigger roles, but Smith’s two-way game and leadership could provide a more reliable option for another deep playoff run. 

With one year remaining on his $5 million AAV contract, he would be a manageable acquisition. If Drury and Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon can work out a deal, Smith could soon find himself back in familiar surroundings.

Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

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