Reilly Smith’s Vegas Homecoming: One-Year Deal Brings a “Misfit” Back Into the Fold
It’s official—well, sort of. According to a person close to the matter, Reilly Smith is re-signing with the Vegas Golden Knights. While the team hasn’t made an official announcement yet, this insider info is already stirring up plenty of excitement across the hockey world. Smith is inking a one-year contract worth $2 million, and it reportedly includes a full no-trade clause. Not bad for a guy whose name still carries serious weight in Vegas.
If you’re new to the story, let’s rewind for a second. Reilly Smith wasn’t just another player on the Golden Knights roster—he was one of the original Misfits. That scrappy, underestimated bunch that helped launch an expansion team all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in their very first season back in 2017-18. Selected by then-GM George McPhee during the expansion draft, Smith came over from the Florida Panthers and quickly made himself indispensable.
Fast forward through a rollercoaster journey involving trades and title wins, and now, in a feel-good twist, Smith is right back where he belongs—wearing black and gold in the heart of the desert.
From Day One to Stanley Cup Glory
Reilly Smith’s connection with Vegas goes way beyond stats and cap numbers. He’s part of the soul of this team. His chemistry with fellow original Knights like Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson defined the early identity of the franchise. Those guys weren’t just playing hockey—they were rewriting what expansion teams could be.
Smith's big moment? Helping Vegas bring home the Stanley Cup in 2023. For a franchise only six years old at the time, hoisting that trophy was a dream come true. Smith wasn’t just along for the ride—he was in the driver’s seat. And that’s what makes his return all the more special.
The Trade Detours: A Bittersweet Path Back
After the 2023 Cup celebration, Vegas found itself in the familiar bind of juggling salary cap constraints. Smith was dealt to Pittsburgh in what many fans saw as a necessary but heartbreaking move. But the NHL has a funny way of writing its own stories. By March of the following season, Smith was back in a Golden Knights uniform, thanks to a trade deadline deal that sent him from the New York Rangers back to Sin City.
That reunion? It felt like fate. In just 21 games with Vegas during the final stretch of the season, Smith posted 11 points and reminded fans—and management—why he’s still got gas in the tank.
The Numbers Game: Reilly Smith by the Stats
Smith’s career numbers speak volumes about his consistency and durability over the years:
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Games Played (Regular Season + Playoffs): 1,036
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Goals: 255
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Assists: 381
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Total Points: 636
And he’s not done yet. At age 34, Smith has evolved his game into something more refined. He’s no longer just a scoring winger—he’s a veteran presence who makes smart plays, kills penalties, and mentors younger talent. The $2 million price tag might just be one of the savviest moves Vegas makes this offseason.
Why the Deal Makes Sense (and Then Some)
The NHL’s flat cap era has forced teams to think creatively. Re-signing Smith at a cap-friendly figure gives GM Kelly McCrimmon more flexibility heading into free agency. And let’s be real, July 1 could be an absolute frenzy.
There’s also the looming question about defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s health. If his chronic issues keep him sidelined, the Golden Knights could move him to long-term injured reserve (LTIR), freeing up even more cap space. That’s where things could get spicy.
Potential Free Agency Targets for Vegas:
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Mitch Marner – Could the Knights pull off a blockbuster for the Toronto winger?
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Brad Marchand – A longshot, maybe, but a gritty veteran addition wouldn’t be off-brand for Vegas.
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Blue-line depth – If Pietrangelo's out, this becomes a critical area of need.
Smith’s affordable deal could be the domino that sets a lot of big moves in motion.
Fans React: “Once a Misfit, Always a Misfit”
Golden Knights fans are already buzzing on social media about Smith’s return. Many still remember his clutch plays during the playoff runs, his steady leadership in the locker room, and his willingness to go the extra mile when it mattered most. He may have worn other jerseys, but his heart never really left Vegas.
Some of the most common fan reactions?
“He should’ve never left. This is where he belongs.”
“Two million? That’s a steal. Welcome home, Smitty!”
“Bring back the full Misfits line now—just for old times' sake.”
It’s rare in professional sports to get a second chance like this. For Smith and the Knights, it feels like unfinished business.
Looking Ahead: Smith’s Role in 2025 Season
So, what should fans expect from Reilly Smith this upcoming season?
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Top-six winger: He can still play meaningful minutes alongside Vegas’ best.
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Veteran leadership: With several young players expected to break into the lineup, Smith becomes a locker room stabilizer.
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Special teams contributor: Smith is as reliable as ever on the penalty kill.
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Clutch playoff performer: When the games get tight, he knows how to deliver.
Bottom Line: A Smart, Sentimental, Strategic Move
Re-signing Reilly Smith might not make huge headlines across the league, but for Vegas fans—and the team’s front office—it checks all the right boxes. It’s about loyalty, performance, chemistry, and timing.
The Golden Knights aren’t just building a team for October. They’re setting the foundation for another deep playoff run, and having a guy like Smith on board is a huge step in the right direction.
As free agency heats up, expect more fireworks from Vegas. But for now, the return of an original Misfit feels like the perfect starting point.
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