Reilly Smith Acquired By Penguins
Reilly Smith has surprisingly been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fresh off a Stanley Cup, the Golden Knights are losing one of their original misfits in what looks like a cap dump. Kevin Weekes confirmed via Twitter that it will cost the Pens a third-round pick:
**Breaking News**
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 28, 2023
I’m told the @GoldenKnights are trading F Reilly Smith to @penguins for a 3rd Rd Draft Pick. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @DKSportsbook @TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/939VKLtejf
Smith, despite getting up there in age, is still a steady eddie in the NHL. His 56 points this season was the second highest total in his career outside of the 60 he put up in his Vegas debut. It’s a tough pill to swallow for the Knights. One the one hand, they need cap space. Robin Lehner seems like an obvious trade candidate and he still probably is departing. But losing one of the original guys from 2017-2018 stinks.
However, it’s the best possible ending for both sides. Smith gets a cup with the team that believed in him from Day One. He should also do great on the wing for either Crosby or Malkin. The Knights will find a way to reload using extra cap space and more draft capital.
Dubas In Charge
This is Kyle Dubas’ first trade in charge of the Penguins. And I honestly like it. Smith will be paid $5 million for the next two seasons. With Jason Zucker potentially departing they needed some help on the wing. Now, they get a fresh face who still has plenty left in the tank. However, the Pens need to keep going if they want to build a playoff team.
The first question mark is in net. Tristan Jarry is a free agent. Could a deal for the aforementioned Lehner make sense for Dubas? Probably not considering they have $15 million in cap space and a laundry list of spots in the lineup that need filling. A more cost-effective and guaranteed starter is probably needed.
The Vegas Golden Knights had to make a tough decision today. They let go of longtime forward Reilly Smith who should do pretty well in Pittsburgh.
