Predators Believed to Have Interest in Penguins' Winger

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Preds
By Rob Couch | Last updated 3/6/24

The Pittsburgh Penguins seem bound to trade a couple of players and Reilly Smith is among those that will likely be moved. He hasn't fit in the way the Penguins had hoped this season after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the offseason. With one year left on his deal after this season, he can be more than a rental for a team.

According to The Fourth Period , the Nashville Predators are amongst the few teams that have been linked to Smith ahead of the deadline. As a rental is a bit risky since the Predators sit in eighth place in the conference, someone with a little bit of term makes a whole lot more sense, especially when the team may be spending a bit more to get a player like Smith.

While the Predators rank 15th in the NHL in goals for per game and 18th in goals against per game, it does feel like scoring help is what is needed most in Nashville. General manager Barry Trotz says that the deadline prices are very high, so a move might not even be in the cards for a rental. This is why it makes more sense to think about bringing in a player that can help for multiple seasons and potentially get back to the way he produced offensively in Vegas.

Considering Smith's production is down from where it normally has been throughout his career, this only benefits the Predators if they make a push. He has 11 goals and 29 points in 54 games this season, but since 2013-14 (his first full season), Smith has averaged over 22 goals and 52 points every 82 games. He has a 10-team no-trade clause, but he is open to a move. The Predators have a better shot at playing more playoff hockey this season and next than the Penguins and he could use a fresh start.