The Vegas Golden Knights have made waves by bringing back a familiar face—Reilly Smith, who won the Stanley Cup with them just two years ago. This trade with the New York Rangers marks the first time in franchise history the Golden Knights have reacquired one of their former players. Smith's return was set on March 6, 2025, as the Golden Knights sent 23-year-old center Brendan Brisson and the San Jose Sharks’ 2025 third-round draft pick to the Rangers.
With the trade finalized, the Rangers will retain 50% of Smith's salary, resulting in his cap hit of $1.875 million for the Golden Knights. Smith, who is celebrating his 34th birthday on April 1, was having yet another solid season, recording 10 goals and 29 points over 58 games with the Rangers this year.
This seasoned right winger, dubbed one of the "Original Misfits" from the Golden Knights’ inaugural season, significantly contributed to the franchise’s success. Smith scored the Cup-clinching goal during Game 5 when Vegas triumphed over the Florida Panthers to secure their first-ever championship.
Before moving to the Rangers last summer, Smith was traded away from the Golden Knights to the Pittsburgh Penguins on June 28, 2023, for a third-round pick. After one season with the Penguins, Smith was dealt to the Rangers, during which he continued proving his worth on the ice.
Smith’s impressive career boasts 223 goals and 319 assists for 542 points across 898 NHL games, as well as 79 points amassed during 106 playoff appearances. The Knights are banking on Smith to seamlessly reintegrate with the team as they push for another playoff berth. They currently sit atop the Pacific Division with 80 points through 61 games, demonstrating their commitment to securing favorable matchups for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have had their struggles this season, sitting third in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race with only 67 points through 62 games. The decision to offload Smith likely stems from the organization's long-term strategy as they are preparing to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021. By trading Smith, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, they free up cap space and obtain promising assets for the future.
Brendan Brisson, the young player sent to New York, was drafted by the Golden Knights as the 29th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. This season, he recorded five goals and 14 assists for 19 points over 45 games with the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the Knights. Although Brisson's impact with the NHL lineup has been limited—he amassed two goals and six assists over his 24-game career—he is regarded for possessing untapped potential and playmaking abilities.
The Rangers will assign Brisson to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he will aim to develop his skills and contribute to the team’s depth. The third-round pick received by the Rangers this trade is expected to land high up the round, originally belonging to the Sharks, adding to their draft assets.
While the Golden Knights are focused on their current success, the Rangers are strategically positioning themselves to nurture their younger talents and solidify their future standings. The shift appears prudent as New York embarks on the possibility of reshaping its roster over the coming offseason, especially with the recent influx of draft assets.
The trade speaks volumes not only about the current state of both teams but also the evolution of strategies within the competitive framework of the NHL. With the postseason looming, the Golden Knights are fortifying their ranks for another deep playoff run, bolstered by Smith’s considerable experience and contributions.
Expected to make their debut together for the Golden Knights after the trade, Smith and the team will face off against Pittsburgh on March 7, 2025, just hours after the NHL's trade deadline.