Another Pittsburgh Penguins forward could be on the trade block this season.

The NHL's trade deadline is 50 days from today, and the Pittsburgh Penguins now have a pair of notable forwards rumored to be available. Jake Guentzel's contract has been a topic of conversation for weeks as the Penguins top winger weighs his future.

He has now been joined by first-year Penguins winger Reilly Smith on the NHL's rumor mill. Smith appeared on The Athletic's trade board this morning, ranking 16th on Chris Johnston's list of potentially available players.

"The fit hasn’t been quite right in Pittsburgh since Smith arrived in a trade shortly after celebrating a Stanley Cup win with the Golden Knights last summer," Johnston writes. "He’s well off the pace of last season’s 26-goal, 56-point campaign and suffered an upper-body injury on Jan. 11 that will keep him out of the lineup for at least another week.

"Still, Smith is an intriguing player because of a strong two-way game. He can contribute on both specialty teams and be trusted with a role on a line that handles tough matchups at even strength.

"The 32-year-old is signed through the 2024-25 season at a $5 million cap hit, which may bring added appeal since he could be added for multiple playoff runs."

Smith's first season with the Penguins began on a high note. He scored 11 points (6G-5A) in his first ten games and seemingly had built immediate chemistry with Evgeni Malkin on the Penguins' second forward line.

The 32-year-old winger cooled off considerably, scoring nine points (2G-7A) in his next 30 games. He was demoted to the third line shortly before being injured in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks last week.

Smith's injury is considered "longer-term." While Smith is traveling west with the team for their two-game road trip, he is unlikely to return before the All-Star break in early February.

The Penguins acquired Smith last offseason from the Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights but could be looking to move on quickly once he returns to the lineup.

With four games until the All-Star break, the Penguins sit just outside a playoff spot and remain uncertain which direction they will take this roster at the trade deadline.

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