Reilly Smith will be traded from the New York Rangers any day now and the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a perfect fit for the veteran forward.
Smith has been held out of the Rangers’ lineup for two consecutive games for roster management-related reasons with a trade imminent.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli feels that if any team were to pursue Smith, the Maple Leafs would make the most sense.
“New York held out Smith for trade-related protection over the weekend, their trade of Ryan Lindgren to Colorado indicating that they’re not willing to pass up assets for their UFAs in this off-the-rails season,” Seravalli said. “Smith is a proven playoff performer – a 2023 Stanley Cup winner and critical cog in two trips to the Final with Vegas.
“I can think of no better fit for Reilly Smith, especially if #NYR retain half, than the #LeafsForever … an integral piece of two different Stanley Cup Final runs with the Golden Knights. I just think he’s a tremendous add at a not expensive price.” — @frank_seravalli
— Phil Kocher (@PhilKocher) March 3, 2025
“The Penguins have already retained on Smith, but the Rangers can chop him in half one more time. It would make a lot of sense for the Maple Leafs to bring him home to Toronto and add a little Cup pedigree to their room and third line. But they have to get a center first.”
Smith hasn’t been having the most productive season, but he’s a Stanley Cup champion and still has tremendous upside as a bottom-six two-way forward.
For a team like the Maple Leafs that has been unable to get over the hump in the playoffs, they can use Smith’s veteran presence.
To Seravalli’s point, the Rangers could eat off some of Smith’s salary to maximize his value.
This season, the 33-year-old has recorded 10 goals, 19 assists and 29 points in 58 games while averaging 15:36 minutes.
