SAD NEWS: Smith Has Ruined His Career
The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded for left-wing Reilly Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights, exchanging him for a 2024 third-round pick.
Smith, aged 30, has two seasons left on his $5 million contract against the NHL salary cap.
With 26 goals in the 2022-23 regular season, he ranked just three behind the Vegas lead, tallying 56 points and ranking fifth in power-play time-on-ice and third while shorthanded among his team’s forwards.
Throughout his 11-season NHL career, Smith has achieved at least 25 goals in a season three times and 50 points six times.
During Vegas’ historic Stanley Cup win, he recorded four goals and 14 points in 22 postseason games. With 200 goals and 473 points in 764 career regular-season games across various teams, Smith brings considerable experience to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins’ acquisition of Smith addresses their need for a top-six forward, potentially slotting him on the second line alongside center Evgeni Malkin.
This move comes after Pittsburgh missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2006, despite strong performances from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Smith’s presence could bolster the team’s offense, as they ranked 16th in goals-per-game, 14th in power-play efficiency, and 16th in penalty killing last season.
In terms of salary cap space, Pittsburgh currently has $15,208,158 remaining with 16 players signed for the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Vegas has $3,462,516 after re-signing left-wing Ivan Barbashev to a five-year contract worth $5 million against the cap.
The third-round pick sent to Vegas was originally acquired by Pittsburgh, completing a transaction loop.