Chris Kreider Talks About Personal Relationship With Reilly Smith

The New York Rangers biggest move this offseason was trading for forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Smith will likely play on a line alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad as Kreider had nothing but good things to say about his new teammate.

“Incredibly smart. Playing against him for a long time and watching him in Vegas, he can do everything,” Kreider said. “Play anywhere on your power play, very effective penalty killer. He’s just very intelligent, very crafty. Strong skater, ton of skill. He’s dynamic. Just a really good player.”

It also helps that Kreider knows Smith on a personal basis and the two are in fact very close.

“I know him through Brendan,” Kreider explained. “I met him a few times, so I’ve gotten really close with their family. So, personally, very excited to play with Reilly. … I’m really looking forward to it. He’s really a helluva hockey player and definitely makes the team better immediately.”

Smith is a player that has been through it all. The 33-year-old has played in the NHL for 13 seasons and recently won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.

As Kreider put it, Smith is dynamic. He is a reliable goalscorer while also known for being a solid two-way forward, which is exactly what the Rangers need.

He plays unselfishly, so he will fit perfectly on a line with Kreider and Zibanejad.

This past season with the Penguins, Smith recorded 13 goals, 27 assists and 40 points in 76 games.

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