The Vegas Golden Knights newly acquired star, Jack Eichel, is getting closer to his return each and every day. With him practicing with the Golden Knights for the last two days, it shows that he is in fact getting closer. For Knight fans, this might be the happiest they’ve been this season- until they realize what that actually means.
When it comes to Jack Eichel, there is a drawback to him finally getting back on the ice. When Eichel finally suits up for the Knights, it’ll be a sold out stadium for sure. So, I’m sure you’re curious on the drawback? or maybe not. We’ve written a ton of articles on the matter so I’m sure it’s not too big of a surprise;
No matter how happy we are to see Jack Eichel make his first in-game appearance for the Knights, it does mean letting multiple players go. One of the players that has been mentioned as the main player on the trade block is: Reilly Smith.
The Vegas Golden Knights are in a tough situation. When making a trade, you have to constantly remind yourself that this is a business, and things in this business aren’t always easy. In this case, it probably means letting the beloved right wing, Reilly Smith, go.
Reilly Smith has been a beloved player on the ‘misfit line’ since he became a original member of the Vegas Golden Knights. The misfit analogy is built upon the idea that players who didn’t exactly live up to expectations were able to make a name for themselves in their fresh start. Reilly Smith is included in that.
Reilly Smith for the Vegas Golden Knights. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
Vegas Golden Knights Trade Simulator: Reilly Smith Edition
The Vegas Golden Knights are in a tough spot given their current outlook for the upcoming seasons. Actually, if the Knights kept their current roster, and they didn’t make any trades- they’d be playing over the NHL’s Salary Cap. Which is, well… they can’t.
So, now looking ahead to Jack Eichel’s return to the ice- they are going to need to move Reilly Smith in order to create some room. So, first things first, who can even afford him?
Teams Who can Afford Reilly Smith
According to CapFriendly.com, there aren’t many teams that actually have the cap space in order to take on Reilly Smith’s contract. In fact, there are actually only nine teams in the NHL that have over $5,000,000 available in their cap space. The teams; Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken, Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Buffalo Sabres.
So, now if we eliminate those that are in the running to win their division, or ready to compete, we shorten the list too; New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets.
So, now it’s a matter of narrowing down the teams that would actually be willing to make that move. If you do that, it’s probably going to be to a team who’s in win now mode because his contract is up at the end of the year.
After doing so, the list gets narrowed down to; Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and the Detroit Red Wings.
Vegas Golden Knights Trade Simulator
So, I know I set the table for this article, but it’s time to actually get into everything. In this part of the Trade Simulator, I will break down multiple different trade scenarios, and give a breakdown on the players that we may receive from them.
The Vegas Golden Knights are in a good spot with their current lineup, but they have to make a move. I can’t stress that enough- this is non-negotiable- they have to make a move. So that means having to trade Reilly Smith.
With Smith’s talent, and contract situation, you’re not going to be able to get much for him. However, if they are able to snag a prospect who’s noted as a potential great scorer, then it could be a very good trade.
Who is Yegor Chinakhov?
So, I’m sure you’re curious as to who this Yegor Chinakhov is. Well, lucky for you and me both, The Athletic’s, Corey Pronman, had a scouting report on him. This is what he had to say about him.
“Chinakhov had a successful season, playing a notable role as a teenager on the eventual KHL champions. He has a lot of offensive talent. He possesses great puck skills, showing he could beat defensemen with his puck handling and create chances through individual effort. He’s a good playmaker who can create from the flank due to his vision, but his shot is his main offensive weapon. Chinakhov can score from range and, combined with his other assets, is a true threat on the power play. The only real concern I have is a lack of great speed and pace. I see flashes of him being able to push the pace but those flashes are infrequent. Without more speed in his game I see a full-time bottom-six winger.” -Corey Pronman
Vegas Golden Knights Receive: 2022 Third-Round Pick
Columbus Blue Jackets Receive: Reilly Smith
Breakdown
This trade here results in the Vegas Golden Knights getting a pick back for Reilly Smith. Smith has been a very good player for the Knights this season so they may be able to get a higher pick for him, but I’d say it’s unlikely. As I stated above, trading him away is a must and that means teams are going to take advantage of that matter.
The Vegas Golden Knights are in a good spot with their current lineup, but they have to make a move. With them trading away Reilly Smith that’ll help but they will more than likely have to trade another player or two away in order to make enough room for Eichel. The next player up for them, if I had a say, would be defenseman, Alec Martinez.
So, if they are to trade away Alec Martinez, they could look to trade for another RHD prospect. Most of the players available for the Rangers are generally already in the league which would make it much harder for them to trade for. Schneider seems like he could be a good fit for the Knights.
Who is Braden Schneider?
“Schneider was named the best defenseman in the WHL and earned an invite to Canada’s World Championship team as a 19-year-old. He projects as a tough minutes NHL defenseman because he’s a 6-foot-2, mobile, physical player. He closes on checks very well and is hard to play against. The offensive components of his game don’t pop, but he can skate pucks out of trouble, makes a good first pass and shows flashes of puck skills. He should have just enough offensive touch to be a solid top-four defenseman who can play against good players.” -Corey Pronman
Vegas Golden Knights Receive: 2022 Second-Round pick(Via. STL)
New York Rangers Receive: Reilly Smith
Breakdown
This trade here results in the Vegas Golden Knights getting a pick back for Reilly Smith. Smith has been a very good player for the Knights since becoming a Knight. As I stated above, trading him away is a must and that means teams are going to take advantage of that matter. However, with them having two second-round picks and them being tied to Reilly Smith- they could get a second-round pick or maybe a first-round pick.
Reilly Smith, who currently lines up as a right wing, will be going to the Detroit Red Wings in this scenario. The Detroit Red Wings have a great foundation they are building off with guys like Lucas Raymond, Mortiz Seider, Dylan Larkin and many more. Adding Smith this season would give them an extra boost to help them make a true run for the Atlantic Division.
Now, that division is going to be hard to win and adding Smith is probably not quite enough but they defiantly could really make a run for the Cup. Adding Berggren could be a good add to the Knights as well.
Who is Jonatan Berggren?
“Berggren was a top scorer in the SHL, taking a major leap forward as a 20-year-old. He’s an entertaining player to watch. He is a great skater and can make difficult plays with the puck at full speed. His one-on-one skills and playmaking with pace allow you to see him creating in the NHL. He lacks size, physicality and isn’t much of a finisher, so just exactly how much he can score in the NHL will be a question. But he can certainly project to impact possession and create chances in a significant manner. Berggren projects as a middle-six winger.” -Corey Pronman
Vegas Golden Knights Receive: 2022 Second-Round Pick
Detroit Red Wings Receive: Reilly Smith
Breakdown
This trade here results in the Vegas Golden Knights getting a pick back for Reilly Smith. Smith has been a very good player for the Knights since becoming a Knight. As I stated above, trading him away is a must and that means teams are going to take advantage of that matter. However, with them having two second-round picks and them being tied to Reilly Smith- they could get a second-round pick or maybe a first-round pick.
