The New York Rangers are continuing to hold Reilly Smith out of the lineup for roster management-related reasons. 

The NHL Trade Deadline is on Friday and Smith in all likelihood will be traded before then. 

Smith also is expected to play for the Rangers again and Peter Laviolette did not shy away from talking about the veteran forward’s future when asked about it. 

“There’s conversations with Reilly, there are conversations with the team,” Laviolette said. “It’s a different situation, but Reilly was a really good player for us. Did a lot of good things, but this is just where it’s at right now. He’s out tonight and we’ll see where it goes, but he’s been a fantastic player for us.”

The 33-year-old forward was held out of practice on Sunday and did not play during the Rangers’ 4-0 win over the Nashville Predators. 

The Rangers already traded Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey as the team is attempting to deal some of their upcoming unrestricted free agents. 

Following their most recent trade and situation with Smith, the Rangers have emphasized that they aren’t in a position to let their UFAs walk without getting assets or players in return. 

Smith was traded to the Rangers over the summer from the Pittsburgh Penguins and his stint in New York just like the Rangers’ 2024-25 campaign has been underwhelming. 

Smith has recorded 10 goals, 19 assists and 29 points in 58 games with the Blueshirts while averaging 15:36 minutes.