Pittsburgh Penguins forward Reilly Smith takes a wrist shot during a game at PPG Paints Arena
Photo credit: NHL

Reilly Smith never wanted to be a Pittsburgh Penguin

Published April 22, 2024 at 10:12
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Rob A.
April 22, 2024  (10:12)
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Reilly Smith, one of the original members of the Las Vegas Golden Knights reported never wanted to be traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins

When Kyle Dubas joined the Penguins, he started making moves. One of which was trading his third round pick to the Golden Knights for Reilly Smith.

Smith was one of the 'Original Misfits' taken in the expansion draft and played for the Golden Knights since Day 1. Himself and a handful of these players were able to experience winning the Stanley Cup together.

Initially it looked like a good move for the Penguins, getting themselves a healthier Jason Zucker type of player. Overall, he never really panned out.


In 76 games Smith recorded only 13 goals, half the amount as he did with Vegas. He had only 40 points on the 2023-24 season.



According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Smith never really warmed up to playing in Pittsburgh. And fans agree.

«The lack of offense was a real problem. His attitude was even worse,» Yohe said. «Team sources said Smith never wanted to be traded to Pittsburgh, and it's hard to question that after you're around him for a few minutes.»



As the trade deadline approached it was thought that Smith would be traded but there were no takers to make that deal. It would be no surprise if Smith was going to be on the trading block this off season. He has one year left, on his $5 million dollar contract, and it would be in the Penguins best interest to move that.

As Read On: The Hockey News -
Report: Veteran Forward Never Wanted to Join Penguins
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Reilly Smith never wanted to be a Pittsburgh Penguin

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