Vegas Golden Knights Acquire Reilly Smith from Rangers

The New York Rangers traded Reilly Smith back to the Vegas Golden Knights for a 2025 third-round draft pick and prospect Brendan Brisson. This marks Smith's return to the organization where he was a key player during their inaugural season, contributing significantly to their success with 124 goals and 162 assists over six seasons. The Rangers' decision to trade Smith was strategic, as they aimed to recoup value after acquiring him earlier in the season, despite his limited power play time affecting his point totals. Brisson, a former first-round pick, has struggled to establish himself in the NHL and is seen as a depth option for the Rangers moving forward. The Golden Knights are expected to welcome Smith back warmly, hoping he can recapture his previous form to bolster their playoff push. Overall, this trade reflects both teams' efforts to adjust their rosters ahead of the upcoming playoff challenges.