The New York Rangers have traded forward to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. He had been held out of recent games to avoid injury, and the Rangers ultimately decided to move the pending unrestricted free agent to gain some assets. While the value of the draft pick remains to be seen, Vegas reunites with one of its original “Misfits,” while New York adds a young player with potential.
This season, Rielly Smith has recorded 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 58 games, averaging a half-point per game. A solid middle-six forward and effective penalty killer, he has been one of the Rangers’ better offensive contributors. However, with the team’s youth movement in full swing, his roster spot was better allocated elsewhere.
Brisson, a Los Angeles native, has yet to make a significant impact in the NHL. He has played 24 career games, tallying two goals and six assists, though he has gone scoreless in nine appearances this season. At 23 years old, he still has room to develop, which likely factored into the Rangers’ interest in him.
Standing at 6’0″, Brisson doesn’t fit the “meat and potatoes” mold often associated with the Rangers’ trade targets this deadline. He may have been included simply to free up a contract spot for Vegas, but his upside makes him an intriguing addition. With the trade deadline approaching, more moves are expected, and the Rangers will continue to be active. As part of this deal, New York will retain 50% of Smith’s remaining cap hit.