Rangers send Reilly Smith to the Golden Knights ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

The New York Rangers made a strategic move on the eve of the March 7 NHL trade deadline by completing a exchange with the Vegas Golden Knights. Reilly Smith, a veteran winger who had been with the ´Broadway Blueshirts´ since mid-2023, is headed back to Vegas in return for a third-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and prospect Brendan Brisson. This switch comes as the Rangers aim to fine-tune their roster ahead of the playoffs, with Smith’s transfer becoming almost inevitable due to his expiring contract and a limited no-trade list.

Smitty’s relocation to Vegas marks a full circle in his career, which began with the Golden Knights in 2017. Over the last few seasons, the 33-year-old forward has played for three teams, from the Stanley Cup Finals with Vegas to a limited role in Pittsburgh and, most recently, a brief stint in New York. With 50% of Smith’s $3.75 million cap hit retained by the Rangers, the deal solidifies a crucial transaction that benefits both teams as they approach the postseason.

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Is the Reilly Smith move a smart decision for both the Rangers and Golden Knights?

As the National Hockey League playoff push intensifies, squads are making brave actions to bolster their rosters. For the New York Rangers, letting go of Reilly Smith appears to be a well-thought-out choice that provides both financial flexibility and lineup improvements. Smitty, who spent six of his 14 NHL seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, is heading back to Sin City, with the Rangers acquiring a third-tier selection and promising young player Brendan Brisson as compensation.

Smith's tenure with the Blues was brief but meaningful. The winger was brought in from the Pittsburgh Penguins, who received a conditional fifth-round pick and a second-rounder in 2027. Although Smith showed promise, his role with the team was limited, which eventually led to his change. By retaining 50% of Smith's salary cap allocation, the Teddy Bears made the choise more attractive for Vegas, aiding in the strengthening of their schedule without shouldering the entire financial load.

Is Reilly Smith’s return to Vegas the Secret to their postseason success?

As Reilly Smith comes back to the Vegas Golden Knights, the franchise hopes his veteran presence and experience will be crucial for their run toward the tournament. Having previously been a vital player in Vegas’ journey to the Stanley Cup Final in their debut phase, Smith’s reentry brings a wealth of knowledge that could prove invaluable as they aim for another championship. His familiarity with the organization and its system should allow him to quickly contribute to their efforts.

For the Rangers, this move clears up cap space and strengthens their focus on the future. The addition of a potential star and valuable assets provides them with options as they continue shaping a competitive staff for the years to come. While they lose an experienced player in Smith, their overall strategy seems geared toward long-term growth, all while staying competitive in the current season.