When Chris Drury traded for Reilly Smith the last season, it was mainly received negative reactions, relaxing why Drury got a 2nd round pick for a falling wing player. Brought as an additional wing player, Smith mainly did his work while he was with the Rangers. He was not spectacular, he was not terrible. He just puffed with him and did his thing. The expectations were minimal considering his role, but as our Reilly Smith report figure will show, he did everything pretty well.
Smith came to the Rangers for a 2nd round pick 2026 and a 5th round pick from 2025. Prior to the 2RW next to Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, the acquisition of Smith was initially questioned. He overshadowed 20 goals and 50 points only once in the previous four seasons and was not really seen as a good attacking fit on that wing. But he was not taken over to be the big scorer on the line. He was taken over as a “jack-of-all-trades” winger who could help stimulate the possession and play a steady two-way match.
Smith did exactly that, while he also came into the violation. His 10-19-29 line in 58 games is not jumping off the page, but it was almost completely on 5V5 and got alone 56 minutes PowerPlay time In those 58 games (1-3-4 rule on the powerplay). The attack was fine, and it is a tough sale for someone who did not satisfy his expectations with his game away from the Puck. He was quiet, did his job and he was pretty good at it.
Smith, if there was something, was a low key solid ranger who belonged in the top six. Under Rangers Vooruit with at least 500 minutes toi last season, Smith is 8th in points/60 on 1.59, 9th in goals/60 out of 0.5, 5th in assists/60 on 1.09 and 4th in primary assists/60 on 0.67. His attacking statistics per 60 at 5V5 were partly with Vincent Trocheck, for what it is worth. He was also a solid presence on the penalty killing.
Reilly Smith came in with almost no expectations and did his job quietly. In a team filled with drama and headlines, Smith was a welcome presence in the team. At least he was for the fans. There was not much to complain about the game of Smith. The only complaints are in any case with its acquisition costs (2nd round pick) and the use of the trade return (3rd round pick) from Vegas at the deadline on Carson Soucy.
Reilly Smith Report Card Grade: A-
#Reilly #Smith #Report #Card