Rangers Hold Reilly Smith Out of Lineup as Trade Deadline Approaches

The New York Rangers are managing assets ahead of the March 7 NHL trade deadline, with Reilly Smith likely to be moved following recent trades of other expiring contracts.

• Reilly Smith, a 33-year-old forward for the Rangers, was held out of Sunday night's game against the Predators for 'roster management' reasons, signaling a potential trade.
• Smith is in the final year of his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, making him a likely trade candidate.
• This move follows the Rangers' recent trade of Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, and a prospect to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Juuso Parssinen, Calvin de Haan, and two draft picks.
• Smith was acquired by the Rangers from the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2024 in exchange for draft picks and has contributed 10 goals and 19 assists in 58 games this season.
• The Rangers are prioritizing trades of players on expiring contracts as they remain four points out of the Eastern Conference's second wild-card playoff spot.

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