Kyle Dubas goes to have some extraordinarily troublesome choices to make forward of the Mar. 8 NHL Commerce Deadline. The Pittsburgh Penguins are 22-17-7, ok for fifth place within the Metropolitan Division and tenth within the Jap Convention. There is definitely an opportunity this roster will advance to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and there is most likely nearly as good an opportunity that the group will miss back-to-back postseasons for the primary time within the Sidney Crosby period.
As of the All-Star break, the Pens are simply seven factors again of the Detroit Pink Wings for the ultimate wildcard berth with 4 video games in hand. A second-half surge is all it could take to get Pittsburgh again to the dance, and so they’re a group you most likely do not wish to see within the first spherical. On the identical time, the Metro is as crowded and aggressive as any division, and each group (besides the Columbus Blue Jackets) has postseason aspirations come April. There’s nonetheless one other month or so till the deadline, which means there’s not essentially a rush, however Dubas must be contemplating offloading a couple of items if the publish All-Star break would not go as deliberate.
Reilly Smith was acquired by Dubas for a third-round decide shortly after the Vegas Golden Knights received their first-ever Stanley Cup, bringing the veteran to Pennsylvania to play with Evgeni Malkin. And though he began the season sizzling, he hasn’t been scoring on the clip the group was most likely hoping as of late. After recording 11 factors in his first 10 video games, he added simply 9 over his subsequent 30. He was even demoted to the third line shortly earlier than being injured within the first interval of a loss to the first-place Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 11.
Reilly Smith fading after sizzling begin with Penguins
General, Smith has accounted for eight targets and 20 factors over 40 video games, which is not unhealthy, but in addition is not supreme contemplating he is been enjoying beside Malkin. And he had gone six video games and not using a level earlier than lacking the identical quantity of contests with an upper-body harm. It has been a brutal couple of months for the Stanley Cup champion, and for that purpose, Kyle Dubas has to not less than gauge what he might get on the commerce marketplace for the 32-year-old. Here is what TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston needed to say about Smith, whereas together with him at No. 16 on his newest commerce board.
“The match hasn’t been fairly proper in Pittsburgh since Smith arrived in a commerce shortly after celebrating a Stanley Cup win with the Golden Knights final summer time. He’s nicely off the tempo of final season’s 26-goal, 56-point marketing campaign and suffered an upper-body harm on Jan. 11 that may maintain him out of the lineup for not less than one other week. Nonetheless, Smith is an intriguing participant due to a robust two-way sport. He can contribute on each specialty groups and be trusted with a job on a line that handles powerful matchups at even energy.”
Smith is signed till the tip of subsequent season at a $5 million cap hit, which means he could possibly be a lovely match for a contender searching for a complementary piece. He additionally has a 10-team no-trade record, which fits right down to eight in July. Relying on how the subsequent few weeks go, Smith might definitely be traded forward of the deadline, particularly if the Penguins cannot string some significant momentum collectively within the subsequent month. Listed here are 4 sensible touchdown spots for the veteran.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have watched their offensive depth dwindle over the past couple of years, watching varied significant gamers transfer on. That features Alex Killorn, Ondrej Palat and Pat Maroon, amongst others. They cannot depend on the electrical prime line of Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Level perpetually, and the top-line depth was challenged in a first-round loss to the Leafs final postseason. Though Smith is a query mark, he would slide in properly on the second line together with Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. He might additionally assist enhance the Bolts’ defensive zone construction, a spot the place the group has struggled in 2023-24.
Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes are battling exhausting to remain within the playoff race, and have already been linked to Anaheim Geese star ahead Trevor Zegras. Smith could be one other participant who might slot in within the top-six and make a distinction. He might even get a glance with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz if the latter is moved again to middle. Smith would possible even be on PP1 when wholesome, and could be an improve to the roster’s present top-six.
Nashville Predators
The Predators have relied on their unbelievable prime line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist, however these three cannot do all of it if this group is critical a couple of playoff berth. Nashville is tied with St. Louis for the ultimate wildcard spot within the Western Convention, and there is perception in Tennessee that this group can advance to the dance. Reilly Smith could be one other efficient veteran to assist mentor the youthful gamers, and could possibly be a key piece of the playoff push.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are within the midst of a 16-game heater, and are simply two away of setting the all-time document. Edmonton has already missed out on Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan, however they need to be within the operating for Smith. With the highest line stacked (McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman), Smith would slot in properly on the second line with Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and will additionally tremendously enhance the second powerplay group. The Oil will definitely make strikes forward of the deadline, and Reilly Smith is a participant GM Ken Holland must be calling Kyle Dubas about.
