LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Vegas Golden Knights will soon re-gain an Original Misfit.
The Golden Knights arranged a trade to bring Reilly Smith back to the team, general manager Kelly McCrimmon announced on Thursday.
🔄 TRADE DETAILS 🔄
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 6, 2025
The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers in exchange for Brendan Brisson and a 2025 3rd round pick #VegasBorn https://t.co/GT32OCxcfD
Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in June 2023, shortly after the Golden Knights took home their franchise-first Stanley Cup. After a season in Pittsburgh, Smith was picked up by the New York Rangers.
"I thought that was like old news. I couldn't believe it," VGK fan Valerie Smith told Channel 13 at practice Thursday. "But I'm so ecstatic. Reilly Smith is coming back! I never ever ever thought that would happen."
The Golden Knights will acquire Smith from the Rangers in exchange for former first-round pick Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round draft pick.
Original misfit, Stanley Cup champ Reilly Smith is headed back to Vegas 🚨
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) March 6, 2025
Golden Knights are reportedly trading 2020 1st-rd pick Brendan Brisson and a 2025 3rd-rd pick to the Rangers for the 33 y/o winger.
3rd in goals in VGK history, Smith returns after 1½ seasons away.… pic.twitter.com/vgTNSXCGEJ
The 33-year-old winger ranks fifth in franchise history in games played, assists, and points, and stands third in team history in goals scored.
"That first year was just a dream, a pinch me to wake me up kind of deal," fan Gilbert Martinez said. "He was a part of that and that will keep him in our hearts forever."
Smith was instrumental in the Golden Knights' 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff run, scoring the Cup-clinching goal in Game 5 and skating in each of the team's 22 games, recording 14 points.
While in Vegas, Smith was also known for his charitable work, including his participation in the Battle for Vegas charity softball game.
"I think he does really well with William Karlsson, and I think he does a lot for the community out here," Sandra Zalewski told Channel 13 at practice. "A lot of people like Reilly Smith. He's a really nice guy, and he's really talented."
In a previous interview with Channel 13, Smith said he hoped to finish his NHL career as a Golden Knight.
"It just is really a treat to be able to play for this team and live in this town," he said. "I love being able to give back to the community and the people in need."
Smith is the first-ever player to return to the Knights after being traded. He will join William Karlsson, Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore as one of four Original Misfits on the team.