Breaking: Penguins to Consider Moving Reilly Smith Amid Struggles
The Pittsburgh Penguins, despite showing flashes of potential throughout the season, missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Among the underperforming players was forward Reilly Smith. With one year remaining on his contract, the Penguins must decide on his future.
Evaluating Smith’s Performance:
In June 2023, Pittsburgh acquired Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a third-round draft pick. The move seemed promising as Smith had just completed a solid season, contributing significantly to Vegas’ Stanley Cup victory. During the 2022-23 season, Smith played 78 games, scored 26 goals, and registered 30 assists, totaling 56 points.
Initially, Smith appeared to integrate well with the Penguins, especially alongside Evgeni Malkin on the second line. However, his performance declined sharply. Notably, his shooting percentage dropped from 14.4% last season to 8.6% this season. This campaign turned out to be one of the worst in his career, with Smith often seeming disengaged.
Smith’s offensive struggles and apparent disinterest were evident throughout the season. His departure from Vegas, where he was a foundational player, might explain his lackluster performance in Pittsburgh.
Potential Trade Destinations:
The Penguins are likely to explore trading Smith during the draft. There could be interest from a few teams, particularly in the Western Conference. The Los Angeles Kings might be a suitable destination, needing scoring depth and possibly benefiting from Smith’s return to the west.
Another potential suitor is the Minnesota Wild. Despite being 33, Smith still possesses top-six scoring potential and can play alongside elite players. Besides his scoring ability, he was vital to Vegas’ penalty kill, an area where the Wild need improvement. Adding a veteran like Smith could enhance their playoff prospects next season.
Penguins’ Future Plans:
Smith has one year left on his contract, worth $5 million. General Manager Kyle Dubas should focus on trading him to clear salary cap space. This summer is crucial for Dubas, marking his second offseason with the team. With the draft approaching, it promises to be a busy period for the Penguins. They may have one last chance to make a deep playoff run with their veteran core. Dubas needs to assemble the right roster to maximize this opportunity, or he could find himself under increasing pressure.
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