Golden Knights Trade Reilly Smith to Penguins

On Wednesday, the Golden Knights were compelled to trade Reilly Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins due to the stringent constraints of the NHL’s salary cap system. Smith, whose commendable performance in the 2022-23 season included 26 goals and 56 points, along with a notable contribution of 14 points during the postseason, emerged as a pivotal player for the Golden Knights.

In exchange for Smith, the Golden Knights received a third-round pick, a transaction primarily motivated by the imperative to alleviate the burden of Smith’s $5 million salary from their financial commitments. With a precarious projected cap space of just $3.46 million before the trade, coupled with ongoing negotiations for an extension with goaltender Adin Hill in the vicinity of $4.9 million, the team faced unavoidable fiscal pressures.

Smith’s departure not only impacts the team’s immediate financial landscape but also complicates their ability to retain other key players like Ivan Barbashev, a coveted free agent following his impressive playoff performance. While this move potentially facilitates retaining Barbashev, it may necessitate further cost-saving maneuvers from the Golden Knights.

The Penguins have acquired forward Reilly Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick.

Smith is signed through the 2024.25 season and his contract carries an average annual value of $5 million at the NHL level.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 28, 2023

Despite the pragmatic rationale behind the trade, losing a consistently productive player who has been integral to the team since its inception is undeniably challenging for the Golden Knights. Smith’s significant contributions, ranking second in franchise history in goals and third in points, underscore his value to the team over the years.

For the Penguins, acquiring Smith represents a strategic coup, as they bolster their roster without depleting significant future assets. With ample cap space remaining even after the trade, Pittsburgh anticipates Smith’s experience and offensive prowess to complement their lineup, particularly alongside their elite centers.

While Smith’s age may limit his long-term potential, his recent performance suggests he can continue to be a valuable asset for the Penguins throughout his contract, which extends through 2024-25.

This trade marks a significant milestone in the tenure of Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh, signaling a proactive approach to roster management. Despite his prior indication of a restrained approach to free agency, Dubas’s willingness to explore the trade market demonstrates a readiness to capitalize on impactful opportunities, evident in the acquisition of a seasoned scorer and former alternate captain of the reigning champions.