Rangers newest addition to land massive role with organization next season

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Joshua Deeds
July 27, 2024 (6:59 PM)

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Reilly Smith has a winning pedigree, as he with the Vegas Golden Knights has been a perennial post-season performer. Finishing the journey, he won a cup in 2023 defeating the Florida Panthers for their first Stanley Cup.

On July 1st, the 33-year-old forward was acquired in a trade with the Metropolitan Division rivals, Pittsburgh Penguins. GM Chris Drury would send a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick for the forward.

In 2023-2024 he scored 40 points( 13 G, 27 A ) in 76 games last season with the Penguins.

Could he begin the 2024-2025 NHL season on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider?

If Smith does find chemistry and start producing with Krieder and Zibenjad, they could find someone outside of the organization come the trade-deadline or prior to it.

Smith previously spent the last six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, as a part of the original "misfits" who ended up in Vegas in the expansion draft.

GM Chris Drury Speaks of Smith's Capabilities:

"He brings a lot of versatility to our lineup. Has a winning pedigree having won in Vegas. A proven playoff performer. And I think just fits in nicely with our entire group. ... At the end of the day, I just try to give [coach Peter] Laviolette as many options as he can to try and put together the best lineup." -- Rangers general manager Chris Drury on acquiring Reilly Smith

Source: NHL
Rangers hope Smith can find spot on top line with Zibanejad, Kreider