Getty Image / David Kirouac
Over the last few years, the Vegas Golden Knights developed a reputation as being one of the more cutthroat organizations in the NHL.
In the past, they’ve come under scrutiny for their handling of players’ departures.
Fans were particularly unhappy with the Knights over the end of Marc-Andre Fleury’s time with the team as they brought in Robin Lehner to compete with Fleury for the starting goalkeeper job.
Fleury won the Vezina trophy the next season and was then basically given away to the Blackhawks during the following offseason.
Fans weren’t any happier when the team once again gave away a valued veteran last offseason, with them dealing Max Pacioretty to the Carolina Hurricanes for just about nothing in return.
The organization has regained some goodwill thanks to the Stanley Cup fans just got to watch the team lift and even heartwarmingly had the 6 original members of the franchise who are still with the franchise be the first 6 to lift the cup after captain Mark Stone.
Unfortunately, it seems it didn’t take long after that happy moment for the Knights to return to their cutthroat ways.
According to NHL analyst Kevin Weekes, the Golden Knights are trading Reilly Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 3rd round pick.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told the @GoldenKnights are trading F Reilly Smith to @penguins for a 3rd Rd Draft Pick. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @DKSportsbook @TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/939VKLtejf— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 28, 2023
The Knights find themselves in an interesting cap situation this offseason as they were aided last season by Mark Stone’s time on Long-term injured reserve.
They’ll have to address their backup goalie situation with Adin Hill and Laurent Brossoit both heading for free agency.
They also have another important piece whose contract has expired in Ivan Barbashev.
Unfortunately, Knights fans have officially seen the Misfit Line together for the last time as Reilly Smith and the 56 points he contributed last season have been the first sacrifice made to give the Knights some cap flexibility this offseason.
It’s an unfortunate reality for Vegas Golden Knights fans that they are rooting for a team that resembles the original team less and less by the year, but they can at least have hope that this approach may deliver another title some time in the near future.