Feb 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Reilly Smith (91) lays on the ice after a collision in the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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New York Rangers Hold Out Reilly Smith as Trade Deadline Nears

New York Holds Smith Out Against Predators as Trade Talks Heat Up

The New York Rangers are keeping veteran forward Reilly Smith out of tonight’s game against the Nashville Predators, fueling speculation that a trade is imminent. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Smith is being held out for trade-related reasons, with the NHL deadline just days away.

Smith, a pending unrestricted free agent, was acquired last summer from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a conditional fifth-rounder in 2025. The Penguins also retained $1.25 million of his $5 million salary, meaning he currently carries a $3.75 million cap hit for the Rangers. However, with New York sitting outside the playoff picture, moving Smith now makes sense as they look to retool for next season.

https://t.co/LEO2JsWdLQ #nhl #NYR Reilly Smith, a key player for the New York Rangers, is being held out of the lineup as the team prepares for a series of trades ahead of the deadline. With Smith being a pending unrestricted free agent, he is expected to be the next asset on the…
— QWIKET NHL (@qwiket_nhl) March 2, 2025

A Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights, Smith was a key part of their 2023 championship run. Throughout his career, he has consistently posted strong underlying numbers, though this season has been a struggle. With just 10 goals and 19 assists in 58 games, his production has dipped, making him a likely trade candidate for teams seeking depth scoring.

Also Read: Rangers Trade Ryan Lindgren & Jimmy Vesey to Avalanche in Major Roster Shake-Up

As the trade market favors sellers, the Rangers are actively shopping players rather than risking losing them for nothing in free agency. Smith, a 14-year NHL veteran, still holds value as a reliable two-way forward who can generate offense in transition. While he may not be a top-line play driver anymore, he could be a solid fit on the third line of a contending team, providing secondary scoring and playoff experience.

With Friday’s deadline approaching, all signs point to Smith being on the move. The question now is which team will step up to make the deal.

Image Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!