The New York Rangers traded Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. The outgoing package for Vegas was Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick originally from San Jose. The Rangers will retain 50% of his salary, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. There's no corresponding move needed since the Golden Knights already have a roster spot open. It looks like No. 19 is going back to its rightful owner.
The "Original Misfit" has 10 goals and 19 assists with New York this season. Three goals and two assists came on the power play, which will add even more depth to a loaded unit in Las Vegas. The 33-year-old originally joined the expansion club in 2017 via trade. The Florida Panthers traded him in exchange for picking Jonathan Marchessault and a 2018 fourth-round draft pick.
Smith has had a decorated career with the Golden Knights, scoring 124 goals and 162 assists in six seasons. He won a Stanley Cup in 2023 with the club and made another Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2018. He's even earned consideration for the Selke Trophy, finishing 22nd in voting in 2017-18.
It seems that reunions do happen in Las Vegas. The winger never wanted to leave in the first place before being offloaded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023. But this could be the Hollywood ending the forward is seeking. The team is cruising in the Pacific Division race, leading by six points entering Thursday. What else does the "Misfit" bring to the table? What made McCrimmon move off Brisson this season?
The breakdown of the trade and what Reilly Smith brings to the table
Fans should be familiar with what Reilly Smith can do for the Vegas Golden Knights. This season, he's served as a middle-of-the-lineup player for the New York Rangers, sparking an unfathomable comeback in the standings. The Toronto native has three assists in his last three games before being benched for trade deadline reasons.
Aside from finding easy photoshops, fans can expect a better penalty kill with the forward around. He's low-maintenance and fits in any situation. Bruce Cassidy will love him for his grit and ability to win puck battles and forecheck. The 33-year-old is effective on special teams, making him a scoring threat in every scenario.
As for Brendan Brisson? Well, the 23-year-old has had his share of struggles this season. He's scored five goals and 14 assists in 45 games this season with Henderson. He hasn't registered a single point with the Golden Knights in nine games in 2024-25 either. He has shown poor judgment in his play and has made costly errors. In turn, it's led to a demotion to the AHL roster and another former first-round pick dealt by Kelly McCrimmon.
Surprisingly enough, the Golden Knights haven't been one to reunite with former players. These offloaded players were either too old, useless, or broken down. However, there's a first time for everything in life, including "Misfit" reunions. This time, it could be the piece needed to lead Vegas back to the Stanley Cup. Just don't expect Jonathan Marchessault to return alongside his fellow "Misfit."