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               What Could the New York Rangers Get in Return for Reilly Smith in a Trade?

As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7, 2025, the   New York Rangers   find themselves at a crossroads. After a disappointing 2024-25 season following their Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign in 2023-24, the Rangers are reportedly shifting gears. With veterans like  Reilly Smith  on expiring contracts and the team sitting outside the playoff picture, trade rumors are swirling. So, what could the Rangers get in return for Reilly Smith in a trade? Let’s break it down by examining his value, potential trade partners, and the assets New York might acquire.

     Who Is Reilly Smith, and Why Is He on the Trade Block?

  Reilly Smith  is a seasoned NHL winger known for his versatility, playoff experience, and consistent production. Acquired by the Rangers from the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2024 for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick (with 25% salary retention), Smith was expected to bolster the Rangers’ middle-six scoring. This season, he’s delivered solid numbers—10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 58 games—making him a valuable asset for contending teams.

However, with the Rangers struggling and Smith set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer of 2025, the team is holding him out of games for “roster management purposes,” a clear sign that an   NHL trade  is imminent. New York doesn’t want to risk losing him for nothing, especially after trading away other UFAs like Jimmy Vesey and Ryan Lindgren on March 1, 2025. This move signals a mini-retool, opening opportunities for prospects like Brennan Othmann while maximizing returns on expiring contracts.

   Factors Influencing Reilly Smith’s Trade Value

Before speculating on the  trade return , let’s assess what drives Smith’s market value:

1.   Performance : At 33, Smith isn’t the 20-goal scorer he once was consistently, but his 10 goals and 29 points this season show he’s still effective. His two-way play, penalty-killing ability, and postseason pedigree (65 points in 84 playoff games) add depth to any lineup.

2.  Contract  : Smith’s $5 million cap hit is reduced to $3.75 million thanks to Pittsburgh’s retention. The Rangers could retain another 50% (bringing it to $1.875 million), making him an affordable rental for cap-strapped contenders.

3.  Market Demand : With the  NHL trade deadline  nearing, playoff-bound teams are hunting for depth forwards. Smith’s experience and versatility make him a prime target.

4.  Rangers’ Leverage : New York’s willingness to retain salary boosts their bargaining power, potentially increasing the  trade return beyond a mid-round pick.

Given these factors, Smith’s value likely falls between a second-round pick and a package including a mid-tier prospect and a later pick. Let’s explore some possibilities.

   Potential Trade Returns for Reilly Smith

The  New York Rangers  aren’t likely to land a first-round pick for Smith alone—his age and expiring contract cap that ceiling. However, recent trades provide a benchmark. For instance, the Penguins got a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2027 second-rounder for Smith at 25% retention last summer. With the Rangers potentially retaining more salary and Smith’s production holding steady, they could aim higher. Here’s what they might expect:

   Scenario 1: A Second-Round Pick

A straight second-round pick is a realistic return, especially if the Rangers retain 50% of Smith’s salary. Posts on X have compared Smith to Gustav Nyquist, traded at 50% retention ($1.59 million cap hit) for a second-rounder. Smith’s $1.875 million cap hit at 50% retention aligns closely, and his playoff experience could justify this price. Teams like the  Tampa Bay Lightning  or  Dallas Stars , known for bolstering depth at the deadline, might bite.

   Scenario 2: A Third-Round Pick Plus a Prospect

If a second-rounder isn’t on the table, the Rangers could target a package deal: a third-round pick and a B-level prospect. This mirrors trades for similar rentals in past deadlines—think Tyler Toffoli’s 2022 move to Calgary, which netted a second-rounder, a fifth-rounder, and a prospect. A team like the   Toronto Maple Leafs , desperate for secondary scoring, might offer a prospect like Topi Niemela and a 2026 third-round pick.

   Scenario 3: Multiple Mid-Round Picks

Another option is a haul of mid-round picks, such as a third and a fifth in 2025 or 2026. This approach suits teams with limited prospect depth but ample draft capital, like the  Colorado Avalanche , who recently acquired Vesey and Lindgren from New York. Adding Smith could complete their depth overhaul, and the Rangers could stockpile picks for future flexibility.

   Scenario 4: A Depth Player and a Pick

In a less common scenario, the Rangers might swap Smith for a younger depth player plus a pick—say, a fourth-rounder and a bottom-six forward like Dakota Joshua from the  Vancouver Canucks . This fits if New York wants immediate roster help while still gaining draft assets.

  Which Teams Are Likely Trade Partners?

The  Rangers trade rumors  point to several contenders as potential suitors for Reilly Smith. Here’s a look at the top candidates:

-  Tampa Bay Lightning : With a history of deadline splashes, Tampa needs wing depth. Smith’s $1.875 million cap hit fits their tight budget, and a second-round pick could seal the deal.

-  Dallas Stars : A Cup contender with cap space, Dallas could use Smith’s two-way game on their third line. They might offer a third-rounder and a prospect like Logan Stankoven.

-  Toronto Maple Leafs : Toronto’s offense relies heavily on its top stars. Smith could stabilize their middle-six, with a third-round pick and a prospect as a possible return.

-  Colorado Avalanche : Fresh off a trade with the Rangers, Colorado might double down for Smith, offering a third and a fifth to round out their forward group.

-  Winnipeg Jets : Leading the Western Conference, Winnipeg could add Smith as a veteran presence, potentially parting with a second-rounder.

Each team’s offer depends on their cap situation, prospect pool, and desperation to win now—key variables as the  NHL trade deadline  looms.

  How Does This Fit the Rangers’ Strategy?

Trading Reilly Smith aligns with the Rangers’ apparent shift toward a retool. After dominating the 2023-24 regular season only to falter in the playoffs, this year’s struggles (four points out of a wild-card spot as of March 2, 2025) suggest a need for change. Moving Smith frees up ice time for prospects like Othmann and Brett Berard, paving the way for a younger, hungrier lineup next season.

The  trade return —whether picks, prospects, or a mix—also gives GM Chris Drury ammunition for future moves. A second-round pick could be flipped for a bigger fish in the offseason, while a prospect could join the pipeline alongside talents like Gabe Perreault. It’s a pragmatic play: maximize value now, build for tomorrow.

  Historical Context: Past Trades as a Guide

Looking at past  NHL trade  benchmarks helps set expectations. In 2023, the St. Louis Blues traded Vladimir Tarasenko (50% retained) for a first-round pick, a third-rounder, and prospects. Smith’s not at that level, but the 2022 Toffoli trade (a second, a fifth, and a prospect) is closer. Given Smith’s numbers and the Rangers’ willingness to retain salary, a second-round pick or a third-plus-prospect package feels right.

  Final Thoughts: What Should Rangers Fans Expect?

As  Rangers trade rumors  heat up, fans should brace for a solid but unspectacular return for  Reilly Smith . A second-round pick is the ceiling, a third-rounder plus a prospect the sweet spot, and multiple mid-round picks a safe bet. The exact haul depends on the buyer and the Rangers’ salary retention, but one thing’s clear: Smith won’t fetch a king’s ransom.

For New York Rangers faithful, this trade is less about blockbuster headlines and more about smart asset management. With the  NHL trade deadline  just days away, all eyes are on Drury to turn Smith’s departure into a stepping stone for the franchise’s next chapter. What do you think the Rangers should get? Drop your predictions below!