Kyle Dubas’ first trade as the Penguins’ acting GM looks like a good one. The newly minted black-and-gold exec sent a third-round pick in the 2024 Entry Draft to Cup champion Vegas for veteran forward Reilly Smith. A move that, in all likelihood, signals the end of Jason Zucker’s stay in the ‘Burgh.
Probably the best way to describe Smith is solid. A former third-round pick of Dallas back in 2009, he’s an all-arounder who does everything at least reasonably well. He’s productive at even-strength and on the power play and kills penalties, a definite area of need. A left shot, he can play either wing, which should afford Mike Sullivan and the coaching staff some flexibility.
Stats-wise, the 6’1” 185-pounder’s coming off arguably the best season of his 12-year NHL career. Skating in 78 games, Smith tallied 26 goals and 30 assists…both third-best on the Golden Knights…for a total of 56 points.
Overall, his career numbers are…well…Zucker-esque. He’s hit 20 goals or better five times, topping out at 27 in 2019-20. His high watermark in points…60…set back in ‘17-18. Just a real steady producer and a solid pro.
Glancing at his JFresh chart from 2022, the 32-year-old rates a 60 percent WAR overall (compared to other second liners), 86 percent on the offensive side of the ledger and…ulp…only 14 percent on the defensive side. (Sounds like he’ll fit right in.)
He’s at 50 percent or better in every other category, including finishing. Another area of concern for our Pens.
Having played on two Cup Finalists and a Cup winner, he obviously knows what it takes to win. He’s served as an assistant captain for the Golden Knights, so he brings leadership to the table as well.
About the only thing Reilly isn’t is physical (69 hits in ’22-23). That doesn’t mean he’s timid by any stretch. He’s just not a bruiser.
That’s where I’ll miss Zucker, if he’s indeed gone. He brought so much fire and energy last season. Qualities that are already in woefully short supply on our flightless waterfowl.
But overall, Smith’s a solid add….especially for a third-round pick. Oh…he’s under contract for two more seasons at a cap hit of $5 million per. Same as (dare I say it?) Mikael Granlund.
Colton Boltin’
In the wish-we-would’ve-gotten-him department, Tampa Bay traded pending RFA forward Ross Colton to Colorado yesterday for a second-round pick.
The hard-charging 194-pounder (188 hits, 16 goals, 56.1 percent on faceoffs in ’22-23) would’ve looked awfully good centering our third line. And he’s only 26.
One that got away.
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Hey Mike,
If Zucker is willing to stay around his current salary keeping him makes sense. However, Zucker, unlike other free agents earned a raise. Odds are, someone is going to throw money at him. I hope I am wrong and the Pens find a way to keep them both, but I doubt it.
Interesting, Anaheim took Carlson over Fantilli.
Hey Rick,
On the surface this move looks like a good one.
* Smith has good size but I am not sure if his lack of hits is due to lack of physicality or because his team possessed the puck and he need not hit anyone. looking at his CORSI, O-Zone Starts, and O-Zone Face Offs all over 50% with higher O-Zone Face Offs than Starts would suggest his Knights were in control of the puck
* Smith is cheaper than Zucker was and what he may ask.
* However, with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang winners of 3 Cups and 4 finals appearances, Rust 2 Cups, and Guentzel 1, leadership is not an issue or at least should not be an issue on this team. We fans need to get a grip on this one and so does management - we do not need anymore veteran leadership from outside sources. If our core can't provide that leadership, then all is lost anyway.
I have only concern here, does this trade signal an attempt to make another Cup run with a team that looks like a wheel of Swiss Cheese?
The Other Rick
I would like the move if Smith came cheaper and he could play on the
3rd line. Losing Zucker who's a year younger and probably would
be signed for around the same number makes zero sense to me.
Hopefully the plan is to have both players on the roster if financially
able.