Penguins forward Reilly Smith could be on the move after making big decision

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Cooper Godin
June 25, 2024 (9:27 PM)

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Reilly Smith may be looking for a fresh start after one year in Pennsylvania and has made a pretty big decision which could help him be moved.

According @PuckReportNHL on X, Reilly Smith has decided to change agents and is now represented by CAA Hockey, whose current clients include Sidney Crosby, Filip Forsberg, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Patrick Kane, among several others.

"#LetsGoPens F Reilly Smith has changed agents and is now represented by
@CAAHockey

33 y/o entering the final year of his contract at a $5M AAV, had 40 points in 76 GP last season. @PuckPedia"

The 33-year-old was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in June 2023, just a couple of weeks after his Stanley Cup victory with the Vegas Golden Knights, who he spent the previous six seasons with. In his first year with the Penguins, the Mimico, Ontario native recorded 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists), 18 penalty minutes and was a plus-three. Smith will be entering the final year of his current contract in 2024-25, which comes with a cap hit of $5 million, after which he'll become an unrestricted free agent.

There should be plenty of interest in Reilly Smith in the coming weeks as he brings a lot to the table, especially for a team looking to contend for the Stanley Cup, something that Pittsburgh likely won't be doing next season, hence why a trade is likely. Smith has 840 regular season and 106 playoff games of experience and has been pretty consistent on the goal scoring front for someone who would slot in on a second or third line role.

As the trade market begins to heat up, it'll be interesting to see where Reilly Smith lands for the 2024-25 season and if he's able to record his sixth career 20+ goal campaign with his new team.