New York Rangers newest addition Reilly Smith, a star or just a misfit?

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Joshua Deeds
August 21, 2024 (8:00 PM)

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GM Chris Drury didn't make too many big moves this summer.

But one of them was acquiring former Stanley Cup winning forwards, Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a late-round draft pick.

Reilly Smith was considered a misfit, like many of the unwanted players who ended up in Vegas, after left exposed by his team at the time, the Florida Panthers.

Smith would prove to be a solid addition, and after 6 years and two-trips to the Stanley Cup finals, he'd secure the prize in 2023.

However, he hasn't only been a member of the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He's been on the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins as well.

So how did five teams, and the Penguins end up moving on from Smith?

Well, Stanl Fischler of the Hockey News asked Pittsburgh Penguins insider Vince Communale.

"The Smith experiment started out well enough, but ended in disaster," said Comunale. "He started the season playing on Geno Malkin's wing and recorded 11 points in his first 10 games. However, he would record only 29 more points in his final 65 games."

Smith would later only collect 2 points in 7 games, from November 6th to December 15th.

Comunale: "As the season went on, rumor swirled that Smith was not happy in Pittsburgh and his heart still was in Vegas. By the trade deadline it was widely known that GM Kyle Dubas was shopping Smith. Either he couldn't find a taker or didn't like the deal."

Smith would finish the season with a +3 for the year, only ending two seasons with a negative rating during his entire career.

"He was good on the penalty kill," said Vince,"and played a very disciplined game, winding up with only 18 penalty minutes."

Bad News: "He was just not a good fit."

Good News: "In Vegas he was a good player among a group of great players. Seemingly, he'll be back in a similar situation with the Rangers."

The Maven's Bottom Line: "Smith is 33 and on the way out. I predict that he'll wind up on the third line. I say it's 60-40 against his being the "missing piece."

We'll have to find out, where he lands in the lineup before we pass judgement here though.