Change like this usually signals a trade is imminent as the Penguins are evaluating their team and deciding on whether two make major changes to the roster which includes trading Smith. The 33-year-old forward hasn't modified no trade clause and is likely on the move as the Penguins are looking for cap space.
The team only has 15 players signed for next season and has a meager $10.7 million in space which all but guarantees high contracted players to be examined. In his only season with the Penguins, he had played 76 games scoring 13 goals 27 assists for 40 points and as a + 3.
It's likely the Penguins would need to eat a little salary to make a trade work as $5 million in direct cap space may seem too much for many teams especially if he's on the decline in terms of production.
It will be a fascinating time for the Penguins has general manager Kyle Dubas has many key decisions to make over the next few months.
POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 217 ANSWERS Veteran Penguin changes agents and likely requests trade after just one year Will the Penguins trade Rielly Smith this offseason? | ||
Yes | 161 | 74.2 % |
No | 56 | 25.8 % |
List of polls |