Vegas Golden Knights fans were greeted with a pleasant surprise on Thursday. The New York Rangers traded Reilly Smith back to the Golden Knights for a 2025 third-round draft pick (which surprisingly went to Vancouver) and Brendan Brisson. The more things change (acquiring "Original Misfits" back via trade), the more they stay the same (trading former Golden Knights first-round draft picks).
It was a welcome sight for fans that have been with the team since day one. He was part of the OG group that went to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. Overall, he's had a decorated career in Las Vegas. He's scored 124 goals and 162 assists in six seasons with the franchise. He also has 27 goals and 28 assists on the power play along with 12 goals and eight assists on short-handed opportunities.
Thus, Smith should expect a warm welcome next week for his glory days. Making two Stanley Cup Final appearances and winning a Stanley Cup will do that for a "Misfit." That's especially true when it comes to putting Vegas hockey on the map. Where would they be without Smith, Marchessault, or Fleury?
But let's look at the trade itself and all moving parts. That includes Brendan Brisson, who saw his time in Sin City end. Unfortunately, he was another former first-round pick McCrimmon found to be expendable. Still, this post is about Smith and what he can do for his new-ish team.
Why the Golden Knights got an "Original Misfit" back
From a neutral perspective, it seems that trading Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round draft pick to the New York Rangers is too much. You're keeping Reilly Smith for the duration of the season, after all. But there are certain factors in play.
First, the Rangers retain 50% of the 33-year-old's salary (according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff). That drops the cap hit down to $1.875 million, which barely fits under the salary cap. That leaves Vegas with a current cap space number of $491,557, according to Puckpedia.
Second, Brisson petered out this season. Having no points in nine games with the Golden Knights is completely understandable for the 23-year-old. But he had a horrible preseason and never rebounded in the AHL. The University of Michigan alum scored five goals and 14 assists with Henderson this season. Eventually, you must pull the plug.
It shouldn't surprise fans given McCrimmon's penchant for trading former first-round picks. In 2023, it was Zach Dean heading to the St. Louis Blues. Last season, David Edstrom went to the San Jose Sharks. The only thing that matters in Las Vegas is winning another Stanley Cup.
Grading the Vegas Golden Knights acquiring Reilly Smith
That's especially the case regarding your team's penalty kill. Vegas ranks 20th in the NHL in this category (76.8%) and has missed William Karlsson for a chunk of the season. With the fellow "Misfit" returning to the unit, he could see more time with his buddy on special teams. In fact, it's something that Bruce Cassidy likes given their familiarity in his system.
These factors combined with a financial burden lifted and Brendan Brisson gone makes this a plausible trade. Sure, the Toronto native is a free agent after this season alongside Brandon Saad. However, McCrimmon has the depth needed to complete a lineup filled with productive, multi-faceted forwards.
There are some hang-ups that come at a first glance. It might seem like a steep price for a returning "Misfit." But there are countless line combinations that await Bruce Cassidy with this deal. He can slot the returning "Misfit" anywhere he pleases in the lineup, allowing him to shake it up when it's not working. Plus, fans can finally see an "Original Misfit" return home. It's a win-win for everyone.