Former Stanley Cup Champion on the Verge of Being Traded Again

The New York Rangers have apparently left forward Reilly Smith out of tonight's game against the Nashville Predators for trade-related reasons, via The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

With the Rangers' narrow playoff chances and Smith set to become an unrestricted free agent, a trade by Friday's NHL deadline seems inevitable.

New York acquired Smith last summer from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2027 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2025 fifth-round draft pick.

Pittsburgh kept $1.25 million of Smith's $5 million salary, so the Rangers are left with a cap hit of $3.75 million this season.

Smith, a member of the 2023 Stanley Cup-winning team with the Vegas Golden Knights, has posted high-quality underlying stats throughout his career.

His recent play has bogged down though, collecting only 10 goals and 19 assists on his 58 outings.

With the current seller's market, the Rangers stand to benefit by trading impending free agents while gearing up for next season. Smith's play and offense abilities might appeal to playoff contenders who need depth down the front lines.

Any buying team would probably view Smith as a top-nine player. Although he is still able to score, particularly off the rush, he's most likely best positioned as a third-line player on a playoff club.

Though he might be able to play second-line minutes short-term, he's not as much of a play-driver anymore.