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Vegas Golden Knights First Half Report Cards: Forwards

ByRichard Cardinale|
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Jonathan Marchessault #81 and Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the game at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Jonathan Marchessault #81 and Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the game at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Reilly Smith

LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 23: Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights look before the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 23: Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights look before the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)

The third piece of the line that makes the Golden Knights go. Reilly Smith flashes in all areas of the game and is the Golden Knights best all-around player. He always makes the smart play time and time again, and coach Gallant loves his style of play.

The Toronto, Ontario native is one of the most critical players on this team, and his teammates love him. He proudly wears the “A” on his jersey, but he’s one of those players I potentially see wearing the “C” in the future. I think a lot of fans would gladly accept Smith as the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights some day.

Thanks to playing with Karlsson and Marchessault, Smith is on pace to have the best season in his career. Smith scored 11 goals, 24 assists, 35 points and owns a +19 rating in 41 games played. He’s been the leader of that line, and there’s no chance Gallant will break that line up anytime soon.

Giving up Smith and Marchessault in the expansion draft has Panthers fans still shaking their heads. Smith should be able to continue at the pace he’s on, but he’s been known to go in a cold spell or two during the season. Another great first-half from a new first line star.

Grade: A+

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