The New York Rangers have made a significant move by acquiring forward Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Reilly Smith. Brisson, a promising 23-year-old, has demonstrated his skills with 19 points in 45 games for the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights this season, alongside a brief NHL stint where he played nine games.

Selected as a first-round pick (29th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, Brisson's career stats in the AHL showcase 45 goals and 57 assists across 162 games. His collegiate achievements at the University of Michigan and participation in the 2022 Olympics for Team USA further enhance his profile. This trade marks a strategic emphasis on youth and potential for the Rangers, while Smith, a seasoned winger, brings experienced scoring to Vegas.

The New York Rangers have made a significant trade, sending Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick in the 2025 draft. As part of the deal, the Rangers will retain 50% of Smith's salary, who has been held out of recent games for roster management reasons. Smith's return to Vegas reunites him with the franchise where he enjoyed success, including a Stanley Cup win in 2023. In his time with the Rangers, he scored 10 goals and added 19 assists in 58 games.

Brendan Brisson, a first-round draft pick in 2020, has only played 24 NHL games thus far and will be assigned to the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. At 23, Brisson is viewed as a potential power forward who could develop into a reliable player for the Rangers in the future.