This off-season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have made a significant trade within the Metropolitan Division. After making a major move for Erik Karlsson to bolster their playoff ambitions, the Penguins also acquired Reilly Smith. However, they have now traded Smith to the New York Rangers at the start of free agency. In return, the Penguins will receive a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, while retaining 25% of Smith’s $5 million salary.
The Penguins announced the acquisition of a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Reilly Smith.
The Penguins have acquired a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Reilly Smith. pic.twitter.com/O90b9Bc6FW
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 1, 2024
### Penguins Trade Smith to the Rangers
Despite a stellar year for Sidney Crosby, the Penguins found themselves out of playoff contention. Consequently, General Manager Kyle Dubas has been active this off-season. The core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Karlsson, and Kris Letang remains intact, but other players are available for trade.
Smith, coming off a Stanley Cup win with the Vegas Golden Knights, was initially expected to help the Penguins. Although he had a down year with 13 goals and 40 points, he has been playing alongside Malkin all season. Trading Smith now aligns with the Penguins’ long-term strategy.
What This Means
**For the Penguins**
Trading Smith makes sense for the Penguins’ future. While their core players still perform at a high level, time is running out for this group. Dubas has already moved star winger Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline, focusing on maximizing returns. More changes could be on the horizon for Pittsburgh.
**For the Rangers**
The Reilly Smith trade is a solid move for the Rangers. Smith, capable of scoring 20 goals a season, can be a key player in the playoffs. He brings a winning mentality and can fit anywhere in the lineup. Although things didn’t work out in Pittsburgh, Smith is a valuable addition to the Rangers as a complementary piece.
