Rangers newest acquisition Reilly Smith will get a look in the top-six

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Joshua Deeds
September 19, 2024 (7:59 PM)

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The New York Rangers top-six will look different coming into the 2024-2025 training camp.

One of the Rangers' off-season trades was for Reilly Smith from the rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

Since then, there's been speculation of what Smith's role could look like in New York, and it seems realistically, he could fit on the wing of Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider.

Head Coach Laviolette will give him a shot to earn a role on the top line.

«He was a really good pickup and a really good player for us to add to the mix,» Laviolette said. «A guy that's proven to be successful and a winner. I think anytime you can add a piece like that to the lineup, that's a real positive thing.

«Training camp is about to unfold and to answer your question, yes he will get a look there, but it's training camp also so I don't want to box anybody out or box anything out on day one.»M

The Rangers need a reliable and skilled forward to play on the same line as Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.

After the team tried to shuffle forwards around, nothing stuck which meant they had to find someone during the offseason.

Smith's career has been consistent, a reliable goal-scorer, and could be the spark the team needs on the first line.

The 33-year-old forward, scored 40 points( 17 G, 23 A) in 71 games with the Penguins, with an ATOI of 16:08.

Source: The Hockey News
Reilly Smith Will ''Get A Look'' On Rangers' First Line