Three trade destinations have emerged for New York Rangers forward after being scratched
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
The New York Rangers are currently taking on the Nashville Predators, but veteran forward Reilly Smith finds himself in the press box due to "roster management purposes". While that sentiment holds true, all signs lead to an imminent move come NHL trade deadline.
It's no secret that the New York Rangers have had a less than ideal 2024-25 campaign.
With the recent departures of Jimmy Vesey and Ryan Lindgren, it appears that Rangers GM Chris Drury is cleaning house, aggressively exploring different options to revitalize his roster.
That said, with the March 7th trade deadline quickly approaching, and the top destinations for Reilly Smith have been revealed.
Top 3 trade destinations for Reilly Smith
Florida Panthers
The Panthers moved Matthew Tkachuk to LTIR and added Seth Jones in a clean swoop, and somehow now have over $8 million in deadline cap space. Tkachuk isn't expected back until the Stanley Cup Playoffs, so it makes a ton of sense for them to acquire Smith as a fill in for the top-six for now
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL this season. Following a devastating loss to the Florida Panthers in last season's game 7 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals.
With Evander Kane not expected to return until the post season, GM Stan Bowman has some extra LTIR cash to burn, and Reilly Smith would make a great addition to their bottom-six.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals are trying to find some secondary scoring on the wing before the deadline and could see Smith as a proven big-game player worth spending on. At $3.75 million, and a chance that the Rangers are willing to retain money, the Capitals can manage to get Smith under the cap.
Even a 33 years of age, Reilly Smith has proven himself to be a reliable offensive presence.
While his current role on the Rangers has been diminished, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
It seems that Chris Drury is determined to move him while he still holds value. Will it happen? Time will tell.
Source: NHL Trade Rumors
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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