TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — The list of players is extensive. It’s too extensive for a team that has reached the Eastern Conference finals twice in the past three seasons.
Since Mika Zibanejad was traded from the Senators eight years ago, he and Chris Kreider have been virtually inseparable as linemates. However, since the Rangers traded Pavel Buchnevich to the Blues before the 2021-22 season, the third position on the Kreider-Zibanejad line has proven to be as reliable and consistent as the last decade of New York Jets quarterbacks.
For the last three seasons, three Rangers have logged at least 100 five-on-five minutes alongside Kreider and Zibanejad. Kaapo Kakko has consistently appeared on that list every year, while Alexis Lafrenière, Frank Vatrano, Jimmy Vesey, Vladimir Tarasenko, Blake Wheeler, and Jack Roslovic have also spent considerable time there.
Reilly Smith is the latest candidate vying for a spot in this top-six lineup. Perhaps, this time, general manager Chris Drury won’t need to look for alternatives around the trade deadline. Smith brings experience in consistency, having been part of Vegas’s “Misfit” line for six years. He is acquainted with success, culminating his tenure with the Golden Knights with a Stanley Cup victory and parade in 2023.
Moreover, Smith is familiar with his new linemates through an old Ranger friend — his brother Brendan, who played for the Rangers from 2016 to 2021.
“It’s a perfect fit for him, and I genuinely believe the Rangers have been in search of someone like Reilly,” Brendan Smith stated in a discussion this summer, just before relocating with his family to Dallas, where he secured a contract this offseason. “He’s a Cup champion, a 200-foot player, and highly intelligent on the ice. Mika and Kreids will enjoy playing alongside him. Numerous players have been tried alongside those two, but none have made a lasting impression. It’s a beneficial arrangement for both sides.”
However, several factors could hinder the immediate and sustained success of this new line. Kreider and Zibanejad have not performed as effectively at five-on-five as they did in the past with Buchnevich or, during their brief time together after the 2022 trade deadline, with Vatrano, who integrated well into their dynamic better than anyone else listed above.
According to Evolving Hockey, the metrics for the Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko line over the past three seasons have been solid, with expected goals percentages of 55.8, 59, and 50.2. Unfortunately, the actual goal output has not matched those metrics. Last season, that line managed just 1.35 goals per 60 minutes; while they defended well and conceded little, the projected top line cannot afford to play in such a low-event manner.
Consequently, Drury was compelled to expend assets each year in search of a viable replacement. Vatrano was a success; Tarasenko, not as much, and Roslovic provided speed and occasional flair but lacked the impact necessary for the line to be effective deep in the postseason.
Another consideration is Smith’s situation for the 2023-24 season. Since its inception in 2017, Vegas has been navigating the salary cap and has built a competitive team through the expansion draft and strategic trades. Smith was acquired from the Panthers for a fourth-round pick in exchange for selecting Jonathan Marchessault. Together with Marchessault and William Karlsson, they formed the “Misfit” line, and Marchessault won the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP in 2023.
The Knights have moved on from several key players, and as a result, Smith found himself on the trade block last summer; the Penguins, in search of a skilled top-six forward with experience — precisely what the Rangers have sought each trade deadline — procured Smith for a third-round pick and placed him on Evgeni Malkin’s wing.
Reilly Smith, right in white, scored 13 goals and 40 points on Evgeni Malkin’s line in Pittsburgh last season. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Similar to Kakko’s experience with Kreider and Zibanejad, the statistics indicated solid performance for Smith when playing with Malkin and a few right wingers: a 56.5 xG% in partnership with Rickard Rakell and a 57.4 xG% with Valtteri Puustinen. However, similar to the Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko trio, scoring production was lacking for Smith and Malkin, who managed an average of 3.2 goals per 60 minutes alongside Rakell. In contrast, Michael Bunting, who joined the Penguins as part of the Jake Guentzel trade, recorded 4.7 goals per 60 from Smith’s position.
Last season, the Penguins were favored by metrics, yet they struggled to finish plays and secure adequate saves, which ultimately led to their absence from the playoffs. Smith, who achieved 40 points in 76 games, faced criticism for the team’s shortcomings, despite the seasoned Penguins core—excluding Sidney Crosby—having subpar seasons.
“The analytics don’t present a fully accurate picture,” Smith stated. “We performed well in certain areas, and some players on that team excel in puck possession and support play, but that doesn’t always translate into scoring. As a unit, we struggled to generate offense on the rush and often failed to capitalize on the opportunities we did have. Sometimes, analytics can obscure a team’s actual performance and strengths. Any team that misses the playoffs has to cope with disappointment, especially when there are four or five potential Hall of Famers on the roster; there’s a high expectation.”
During the first 10 days of training camp, Smith has begun to establish his place alongside two players who share a strong connection. Although last season in Pittsburgh presented challenges for Smith, this new team dynamic is different; the Rangers have enjoyed successful moments despite inconsistent performances from the Kreider-Zibanejad line and boast a younger roster compared to the Penguins. With Igor Shesterkin in goal, there’s a belief that even a line struggling to score will be less vulnerable defensively.
“I’ve gotten to know Reilly over the years through Brendan, so we have that familiarity, but on the ice, you can see he’s a highly intelligent player who understands the game exceptionally well,” Kreider remarked. “He processes the game at an impressive speed. His ability to create space for himself and his teammates is noteworthy, along with his effectiveness in handling the puck in tight positions, which is crucial at this level.”
Peter Laviolette is testing out new formations for the Rangers’ successful power play. If he continues with his freshly assembled units, Smith will have the opportunity to develop further chemistry with Zibanejad and Kreider, who have been supported by Filip Chytil and either Adam Fox or K’Andre Miller at the point. Smith was unable to secure a spot on the Penguins’ top power-play unit, which included stars like Crosby, Malkin, and Erik Karlsson, and last season, the single power-play goal he scored marked his lowest total since joining the league.
A decade ago, Bruin was part of a regular power play rotation with his linemates, Kreider and Zibanejad, who have thrived in recent years. This dynamic could enhance Smith’s point totals and bolster his offensive confidence.
Reilly shared that his fond memories of Kreider and Zibanejad are largely from “car rides out to the suburbs to hang with Brendan and his family during trips in or holidays.” He added, “It’s a pleasure to play with these guys I’ve encountered on several occasions. I also have familiar faces here, such as Troch (Vincent Trocheck) and Quickie (Jonathan Quick), so having those connections makes the transition smoother.”
Brendan Smith commented, “He definitely knows how much I valued being part of the Rangers organization. Reilly is the kind of player who blends in seamlessly. When he truly made a name for himself in Florida and then in Vegas, he demonstrated that he complements his linemates exceptionally well. There are players in the league who just naturally fit — for me, he pairs perfectly with Mika and Kreids.”
(Top photo of Reilly Smith and Mika Zibanejad: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Finding the Right Fit: Reilly Smith’s Potential Impact on the Kreider-Zibanejad Line
Understanding the Kreider-Zibanejad Line
The New York Rangers’ Kreider-Zibanejad line has long been one of the most effective partnerships in the NHL. Chris Kreider, known for his speed and physicality, pairs exceptionally well with Mika Zibanejad, whose playmaking skills and goal-scoring ability complement Kreider’s style. Together, they have created a dynamic duo that poses a significant threat to opposing teams. With the potential addition of Reilly Smith, a skilled winger with a proven track record, the dynamics of this line could elevate the Rangers’ offensive capabilities.
Reilly Smith: A Profile
Reilly Smith is a talented forward, known for his versatility and scoring ability. Here are some key stats and attributes that make him an appealing option for the Rangers:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Right Wing |
| Years in NHL | 10 Seasons |
| Career Goals | 200+ |
| Playoff Experience | Multiple Seasons |
| Key Skills | Scoring, Playmaking, Experience |
Benefits of Adding Reilly Smith to the Kreider-Zibanejad Line
Integrating Reilly Smith into the Kreider-Zibanejad line could offer numerous benefits:
1. Enhanced Scoring Opportunities
- Dynamic Offense: With Smith’s scoring prowess, the line could see a significant increase in overall goals, as he can shoot and create opportunities for both Kreider and Zibanejad.
- Defensive Distraction: Smith’s presence would likely draw defenders, allowing Kreider and Zibanejad more space to maneuver and execute their plays.
2. Versatility and Depth
- Line Flexibility: Smith’s ability to play both on the wing and center allows for strategic line changes throughout games, providing the coaching staff with flexibility.
- Injury Resilience: Having a player like Smith increases depth and can help mitigate the impact of injuries to other key players.
3. Special Teams Impact
- Power Play Efficiency: Smith’s proficiency on the power play could enhance the Rangers’ overall effectiveness when they have the man advantage.
- Penalty Kill Contribution: His skills also translate well to the penalty kill, allowing for balanced line combinations during critical situations.
Case Studies: Previous Successful Line Integrations
Examining past instances where new players have joined established lines can provide insight into how Reilly Smith might fit into the Kreider-Zibanejad pairing. Here are some notable examples:
1. Chicago Blackhawks – Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin
When Artemi Panarin joined the Chicago Blackhawks, he quickly found chemistry with Patrick Kane, leading to one of the most productive lines in the league. Their synergy resulted in increased scoring and a significant boost in team performance.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning - Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point
The Lightning saw immense success when they combined Kucherov and Point with different wingers over the years. Their adaptability and chemistry have been instrumental in the team’s scoring depth during critical playoff runs.
First-Hand Experience: Evaluating Reilly Smith’s Style of Play
Many fans and analysts have witnessed Reilly Smith’s performance over the years, showcasing his strengths and weaknesses. His ability to read the game and capitalize on opportunities makes him an ideal candidate to join the Kreider-Zibanejad line.
Key Observations
- Strong Hockey IQ: Smith possesses a high level of understanding of the game, enabling him to make intelligent plays and anticipate opponents’ moves.
- Work Ethic: His relentless work ethic ensures he is often in the right place at the right time, which would greatly benefit Kreider and Zibanejad’s offensive strategies.
- Experience in High-Pressure Situations: With multiple playoff appearances, Smith knows how to perform under pressure, a crucial trait for the Rangers as they aim for postseason success.
Practical Tips for Maximizing the Kreider-Zibanejad-Smith Line
To fully leverage the potential of Reilly Smith on this line, consider the following strategies:
1. Establishing Chemistry Early
During training camp and preseason games, focus on line combinations that allow Kreider, Zibanejad, and Smith to develop chemistry. This could be achieved through:
- Frequent practice sessions together
- In-game simulations where the trio can experiment with different plays
2. Utilizing In-Game Adjustments
Coaches should be prepared to make in-game adjustments to maximize the effectiveness of the line. This includes:
- Identifying opposing team’s defensive weaknesses
- Changing the positioning of players based on real-time performance
3. Focusing on Power Play Strategies
Given Smith’s power play prowess, incorporating him into special teams strategies can significantly enhance scoring potential:
- Utilizing Smith’s shooting ability from the point or off the wing
- Creating set plays that exploit Kreider’s size and Zibanejad’s shooting accuracy
Conclusion
The potential integration of Reilly Smith into the Kreider-Zibanejad line presents an exciting opportunity for the New York Rangers. By enhancing offensive capabilities, providing depth, and contributing to special teams, Smith’s addition could significantly impact the team’s performance, making them a formidable force in the NHL. The combination of these three talented players could lead to increased scoring, deeper playoff runs, and an electrifying style of play that fans will love.
