Rangers Send Reilly Smith to Vegas for F Brendan Brisson, Draft Pick
The Rangers retained 50% of Smith's cap hit in the deal sending one of the original Golden Misfits back to Vegas.
After sitting out for the last handful of games for roster management reasons, the Rangers have finally completed a trade involving Reilly Smith.
The Rangers acquire a 2025 3rd Round Pick (San Jose) and Brendan Brisson in exchange for Reilly Smith.
BREAKING: Reilly Smith back to Vegas for San Jose’s third rounder this year and Brendan Brisson (to Hartford).
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) March 6, 2025
The Rangers will also be retaining 50% of Smith’s cap hit which is already reduced by his trade from Pittsburgh.
#NYR are retaining 50% on Smith, per source.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) March 6, 2025
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, a Reilly Smith reunion in Vegas made a ton of sense. He’s exactly the kind of player that helps a team compete in the postseason and the fact that he’s not only done it before, but done it with that franchise is huge. As far as the return goes, it may appear slightly underwhelming but the Rangers essentially got a player that was first round pick along with a 3rd in this upcoming draft.
Obviously a mystery boat first rounder in the upcoming draft would be exciting in a different way but the Rangers add to their center depth and get a pick in this process which is all in all, tidy business.
Brendan Brisson was a Shattuck-St. Mary’s Product, University of Michigan standout and 29th overall draft pick by Vegas in 2020. At 23-years old, Brisson has over three seasons of AHL experience under his belt with the Henderson Silver Knights. In two full seasons, Brisson averaged 37.5 points and skated in 15 games with the Golden Knights where he registered two goals and six assists. This season, Brisson has five goals and 14 assists across 45 games in the AHL and 0 points in 9 games with the Golden Knights.
Regarded for his high hockey IQ and play-making abilities, there is plenty of upside with a player like Brisson. A natural center that can also play left wing, Brisson will likely give B.O. Groulx some immediate competition as Hartford’s top center and will be a call-up candidate for the Rangers if needed. Entering the final year of his entry-level contract, he will be another restricted free agent the Rangers look to re-sign at some point over the summer.
The 2025 third originally came from San Jose, which should make it high up in the round.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) March 6, 2025
Brisson is a former first-round pick - another one of the types of players we talked about on the pod who the #NYR believe has untapped upside. Also adds org center depth. I'm told he'll… https://t.co/BwT9LQeCd9
It’s also worth mentioning that Brendan Brisson is the son of one of the biggest agents in hockey, Pat Brisson who represents a number of the biggest stars around the league. Most notably, Sidney Crosby, Jack Eichel, Matty Beniers, Trevor Zegras and many others. Do with that information what you will.
