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.

The Vegas Golden Knights have secured the services of winger Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers, a move that signals a potential boost for a team with championship aspirations. Smith, who previously contributed to the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup victory in 2023, was traded in exchange for prospect Brendan Brisson and a third-round draft pick. While with the Rangers, he achieved a commendable 10 goals and 29 points, but his true potential was on display during the previous season with Vegas, where he netted an impressive 26 goals.

As Smith approaches free agency at the end of the season, the $5 million cap hit from his current contract creates a lot of intrigue. His performance in the final weeks could determine his future with the Golden Knights, as they look to capitalize on his experience and aim for another deep playoff run.

Reilly Smith is back with the Vegas Golden Knights after a trade with the New York Rangers. The Rangers will receive a third-round pick in 2025 and prospect Brendan Brisson, who heads to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. The Rangers retained half of Smith's $3.75 million cap hit, as the team navigated roster management issues. Smith's stint in New York was marked by moderate production, tallying 28 points across 58 games, but he struggled for power-play time and faced challenges with team dynamics.

This trade raises questions about the Rangers' early-season struggles and whether Smith could have been more effective had circumstances been different. His return to Vegas signals the Knights' intent to bolster their roster with a familiar face, but it also highlights the unpredictable nature of player performance and team chemistry.

The Washington Capitals are actively working to create salary cap flexibility as they head towards the trade deadline. They have placed Jakub Vrana on waivers, allowing the team to retain him for up to 10 games or 30 days if he clears. Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell emphasizes a cautious approach to trading, focusing on players with term remaining on their contracts rather than making deals for rental players. On the other hand, Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon points out that while they have $2.3 million in projected cap space, they don't plan on making major trades but will keep an eye on potential smaller deals as the deadline approaches.

The NHL schedule features five games today, headlined by two prime-time matchups: the Washington Capitals facing off against the New York Rangers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights at 10 p.m. ET. The Maple Leafs, coming off a heartbreaking shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, will seek redemption against the Golden Knights, who recently secured a win against the New Jersey Devils. The Ducks also look to keep their momentum against the Canucks, capitalizing on recent form. The St. Louis Blues aim to rebound against the Los Angeles Kings, who are struggling offensively.