Rangers Sit Reilly Smith for Potential Trade

The New York Rangers are sitting forward Reilly Smith out of their game against the Nashville Predators for roster management reasons, as they consider trading him before the upcoming NHL trade deadline. Smith, a 33-year-old pending unrestricted free agent, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins and has 10 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season. The Rangers, who are four points out of a wild-card playoff spot, have already traded other players on expiring contracts, like Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, to avoid losing them for nothing. Although no specific trade deal for Smith is in place yet, the Rangers are likely to move him to capitalize on his value. Smith has played for several teams during his 14-year career and was part of the Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural season and their 2023 Stanley Cup-winning team.