The NHL trade deadline is approaching, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are preparing for a near-complete yard sale. Numerous names like Jake Guentzel, Lars Eller, and Rickard Rakell are possibly on the move.
Reilly Smith has struggled in his first year with the Penguins and has gained a ton of interest in the trade market. Numerous teams from around the league are reported to have interest in Smith’s veteran presence, but three have appeared to emerge as front-runners.
According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Nashville Predators have all been linked to Smith.
"Smith hasn’t exactly worked out in Pittsburgh and word on the street is he would be open to a move. He has another year left on his contract and owns a 10-team no-trade list. If the Penguins move him, they’d likely have another deal in place to replace him on the roster," Pagnotta writes.
Smith arrived in Pittsburgh after winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights, and his return to Vegas makes a ton of sense. The Golden Knights are likely out on Guentzel after acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals, but Smith can still be a critical addition.
There is an obvious familiarity and successful past between the Golden Knights and Smith. He carries a modified no-trade clause, but the chances are slim that Vegas is a destination he would not want to return to.
The Avalanche and Predators are relative newcomers to the Smith conversation but seem very much in the race.
It’s still not fair to count out the Florida Panthers. Another one of Smith’s former teams who appear to be loading up for another chance at the Cup. The Panthers were defeated in the Cup Final this past season by Smith and the Golden Knights.
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