Rangers Perfection Line? Reilly Smith's Statement on linemates Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad
The New York Rangers have a great problem, as they have 3 solid lines they can score any night.
On the 2nd line, with Chris Kreider, and Center Mika Zibanejad is Reilly Smith, a forward who was acquired for cheap from the Pittsburgh Penguins during the offseason.
Smith, is currently RW2 for the Rangers and produced at a great clip, with 4 points( 1 G, 3 A) in 5 games for the team.
By any means, a nearly point-per-game player for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is a steal for GM Chris Drury.
He was asked about his new linemates, and while he doesn't feel like the line itself is a product that is complete, he has built confidence with Kreider and Zibanejad and it has shown on the ice.
Smith is currently deployed to Line 2, and the 2nd power-play unit, which means he'll have limited time on ice.
But despite that fact, he's shown his efficiency, as last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs he posted 2 assists with a 14:20 TOI.
The last time Smith had a career year was in the Vegas Golden Knights system, during their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2017-2018.
He'd post 60 points( 22 G, 38 A) in 67 games with the Golden Knights and was one of the last misfits in the Golden Knights system, and only Shea Theodore remains from this time period.
If Reilly Smith can find reliable production, and impress Peter Laviolette, could he find himself promoted in place of Alexis Lafreniere?
It seems unlikely, but a 50-point season doesn't sound unrealistic.
