The Original Misfit Returns: Reilly Smith Rejoins the Golden Knights
- Pre Game Sports
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 29
In a move that has fans buzzing, the Vegas Golden Knights have brought back one of their foundational players, Reilly Smith, ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The team acquired Smith from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward prospect Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Reilly Smith's Impact for Golden Knights
Smith, affectionately known as one of the "Original Misfits," played a pivotal role in the Golden Knights' inaugural season and their 2023 Stanley Cup victory. During his six-season tenure with Vegas, he amassed 286 points (124 goals, 162 assists) over 399 games, ranking fifth all-time in franchise points.
Season Performance and Expectations
This season, Smith recorded 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 58 games with the Rangers. His return is anticipated to bolster the Golden Knights' offense and provide veteran leadership as the team gears up for another playoff run. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that Smith's familiarity with the team's culture and systems will facilitate a seamless transition.
Farewell to Brendan Brisson
In exchange for Smith, the Golden Knights parted ways with Brendan Brisson, a promising forward drafted 29th overall in 2020. Brisson appeared in 24 NHL games, including nine this season, and tallied five goals and 19 points in 45 games with the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights.
Upcoming Home Games
With Smith back in the lineup, the Golden Knights are set to host several crucial home games at T-Mobile Arena:
March 7 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: A matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, presenting a test for Vegas's defense.
March 9 vs. Los Angeles Kings: A Pacific Division rivalry game with significant playoff implications.
March 20 vs. Boston Bruins: Facing one of the Eastern Conference's top teams in a high-stakes contest.
Pregame Sports Bar Crawls
As the excitement builds, so do the pregame festivities. Whether you're celebrating the return of Reilly Smith or gearing up for a pivotal matchup, Pregame Sports Bar Crawls has you covered. We're bringing the ultimate pregame party experience. Stay tuned for upcoming events—because the only thing better than hockey is hockey with a proper pregame!