Through training camp, Reilly Smith will have a chance to earn a spot on the Rangers' first line alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
Training camp will be especially critical for New York Rangers forward Reilly Smith.
When the Rangers traded for Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins, there was a lot of speculation on what his role would ultimately look like.
The most realistic fit for Smith is on the first line alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette will give him an opportunity to earn a spot on this line.
“He was a really good pickup and a really good player for us to add to the mix,” Laviolette said. “A guy that’s proven to be successful and a winner. I think anytime you can add a piece like that to the lineup, that’s a real positive thing.
“Training camp is about to unfold and to answer your question, yes he will get a look there, but it’s training camp also so I don't want to box anybody out or box anything out on day one.”
The Rangers were searching for another reliable forward to play with Kreider and Zibanejad last year, but after a lot of mixing a matching, nothing was sticking.
Smith has been a pretty reliable offensive threat over the course of his NHL career and is a proven goalscorer, so he should add a whole new element if placed on the team’s first line.
This past season, the 33-year-old forward recorded 13 goals, 27 assists and 40 points in 76 games while averaging 16:08 minutes.