This off-season the Pittsburgh Penguins have made a deal within the Metropolitan Division. After making a big splash for Erik Karlsson, the goal was to make a deep run. Also, the team acquired Reilly Smith in a trade but has now flipped him at the start of free agency. The Penguins have dealt Smith to the New York Rangers and will get 2025 fifth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round pick in this move. Pittsburgh will also retain 25-percent of Smith’s $5 million salary.
The Penguins have acquired a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Reilly Smith. pic.twitter.com/O90b9Bc6FW
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 1, 2024
Penguins Trade Smith to the Rangers
With what is a stellar year for Sidney Crosby is going down the drain. Whatever the case may be, the Penguins were not in the playoff mix. That had General Manager Kyle Dubas making moves this off-season. The core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Karlsson, and Kris Letang will stay put but numerous players are on the table.
Smith came off a Stanley Cup victory with the Vegas Golden Knights and was ready to help the Penguins get back into the mix. Although, it’s been a down year for Smith, as he had 13 goals and 40 points. He has been alongside Malkin all season long. However, selling Smith makes sense for them going forward.
What This Means
For the Penguins
Sadly, the Smith trade makes sense for the Penguins. It is hard to envision where this team ends up going forward. The core they have is still playing at a high enough level to make a run but time is not on their side. Dubas moved on from star winger Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline. Capitalizing on returns is a wise move for Dubas, but changes also couldcontinue in Pittsburgh as well.
For the Rangers
This Reilly Smith trade makes sense for the Blueshirts. Smith is a player that is capable of scoring 20 goals in a season and is a player that can be a difference maker in the playoffs. He brings a winning pedigree and also can play anywhere in the lineup. Smith does not have to be the guy on this team but a great complimentary piece. It is a shame that things didn’t work out in Pittsburgh, but a great add for this team.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
