Reilly Smith Returns to Vegas in Trade for Brisson and Draft Pick
Big news in the hockey world today—Reilly Smith is heading back to the Vegas Golden Knights! The New York Rangers have traded Smith back to his former team in exchange for young forward Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. This move not only reunites Smith with the team where he found significant success, but it also gives the Rangers some fresh young talent as they look to build for the future.
Smith, now 33, is in the final year of his three-year, $15 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This year, he's been a solid contributor for the Rangers, putting up 29 points in 58 games. But let’s be honest—Smith will always be remembered for his time in Vegas. Over six seasons with the Golden Knights, he played a crucial role in their success, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. He ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in goals, assists, and total points, making his return an exciting moment for both the team and fans.
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Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy is clearly thrilled to have Smith back, saying, "He's a veteran guy, he knows how we play, he knows the room and he knows our expectations. We're happy to have him back." That kind of familiarity is invaluable, especially for a Golden Knights team sitting at the top of the Pacific Division and gearing up for another deep playoff run.
On the other side of the deal, Brendan Brisson heads to the Rangers organization. At just 23 years old, Brisson has yet to fully break out at the NHL level, but he has shown flashes of potential. Originally drafted in the first round by Vegas in 2020, he has played 24 NHL games so far, putting up eight points. The Rangers are sending him to their AHL affiliate in Hartford for now, but there’s hope he can develop into a key piece for the future.
This trade is just one of many moves happening as we approach the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, and it certainly shakes things up for both teams. For Vegas, it’s about bolstering their lineup for another Stanley Cup run. For the Rangers, it’s a strategic move to add young assets while still staying competitive in the playoff hunt. One thing’s for sure—this is the kind of trade that gets fans talking!
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