The New York Rangers have made some news today. Blueshirts General Manager Chris Drury has pulled off the Reilly Smith trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. Smith is being sent back to Vegas for Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick of the San Jose Sharks. The Rangers also retain half of Smith’s salary. This works out to $1.875 million in salary.
Reilly Smith returns to Sin City!#TradeCentre | @GolfTown pic.twitter.com/1ekNc6xX4Z
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 6, 2025
New York Rangers Make Reilly Smith Trade
Smith has played for the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Rangers over his 14-year NHL career. Smith has 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 58 games for the Blueshirts this season. He has a Corsi for of 46.6 and a relative Corsi of -3.6
The Mimico, Ontario native has 223 goals and 319 assists for 542 points in 898 career games. Dallas originally drafted Smith in the third round, 69th overall of the 2009 NHL Draft. Smith was a member of the Stanley Cup-winning Vegas squad that took home the big silver chalice in 2023.
The 33-year-old forward was a standout at the NCAA level with the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks. He is the younger brother of Stars blueliner Brendan Smith and professional lacrosse player Rory Smith.
What It Means
Smith came over via trade in the off-season with the Penguins in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The veteran winger has contributed double-digit goals in his first season on Broadway. However, the Rangers have had some struggles this season.
New York looks like its been trying to dig out, but it seems the club wants to give some younger players a chance. There are a number of Rangers in the system that are itching for a chance. Adding Brisson will also get some young depth even though he’ll start in Hartford of the AHL.
Drury also wants to save some money to give it some younger players. There are a number of youngsters like K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle and others that need contracts at the end of the season. The Rangers did get some kind of a return for Smith and this move allows them to get more youth in the lineup.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
