New York Rangers Scratching Reilly Smith For Trade Reasons

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the New York Rangers are scratching forward Reilly Smith for their March 2 contest against the Nashville Predators due to "trade deadline reasons."

Rangers holding out Reilly Smith from tonight's game for trade deadline reasons. Pending UFA could be dealt before Friday's deadline.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 2, 2025

Seeing Smith being scratched for trade-related reasons is not surprising in the slightest. On March 1, the Rangers dealt pending UFAs Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to the Colorado Avalanche. Now, Smith appears to be the next pending UFA who the Rangers are preparing to move with this latest development.

Smith, 33, should generate interest from teams that are looking for a boost in their middle six. The veteran winger can still produce decent secondary offensive production, as he has 10 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season with the Rangers. He also should be appealing to contenders because of his immense playoff experience due to his time with the Vegas Golden Knights.

It will be very fascinating to see where Smith ends up being traded from here, but a move appears to be inevitable. In 898 career NHL games split between the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Rangers, Smith has 223 goals, 319 assists, 542 points, and a plus-126 rating.