The Pittsburgh Penguins may be quick to move on from a veteran forward after just a season.

PITTSBURGH – One of Kyle Dubas’ first big moves as president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins was to deal a third-round pick to the Vegas Golden Knights for Stanley Cup champion Reilly Smith. In the early stages of the 2023-24 season, it seemed to be a great move.

As the season aged, however, it was clear something wasn’t fitting. Smith’s numbers dipped, and the early chemistry he had with Evgeni Malkin evaporated.

Shortly after the season ended, reports indicated that Smith never warmed to playing in Pittsburgh. When the trade deadline rolled around, Smith’s name appeared just as often, if not more than Jake Guentzel’s.

While the Penguins ended up dealing Guentzel and holding on to Smith, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith’s name appear in trade rumors again this summer. According to Josh Yohe in the Athletic, Smith seems to be the most likely name on the move.

“I would expect that he will attempt to move forward Reilly Smith, who never really fit in,” Yohe writes. “Smith seems pretty likely to go.”

Smith joined the Penguins and was expected to be a healthier, more consistent version of Jason Zucker, but that consistency never lasted.

In his end-of-season press conference, Dubas backed Smith and said he expects a bounce back next season, but he likely won’t get that chance in Pittsburgh. Teams came calling around the deadline, and they may still be interested.

Smith is about to enter the final year of his contract, which earns him $5 million against the salary cap. An affordable, expiring contract for a veteran champion can appeal to teams, and the Penguins would be wise to take advantage.

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