What a year it’s been for Reilly Smith. Through 63 games, the 26-year-old forward has potted 21 goals and 58 points with an astounding plus-32 rating, which ranks second in the NHL behind only… William Karlsson (plus-37). He’s on pace to surpass 70 points, which would blow his previous career-high of 51 points out of the water.
His performance in February, though, was especially impactful, which earned him the NHL’s Third Star of the Month.
In the Golden Knights’ 14 games in February, Smith logged eight goals and 12 assists, helping Vegas earn points in nine games to further pad its lead atop the Pacific Division standings. Only Eric Staal, Evgeni Malkin and Connor McDavid recorded more points than Smith in February (21).
Vegas acquired Smith via trade with the Florida Panthers last summer. All they gave up for him was a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. And with Smith under contract through the 2021-22 season at a very manageable $5 million per season, it seems pretty fair to declare the Golden Knights winners of that exchange.