Here's how the Rangers' two acquisitions this offseason will impact the team.
The New York Rangers added Reilly Smith and Sam Carrick to bolster their offensive core and they could both play important roles for the team this upcoming season.
Smith is a veteran forward that the Rangers can rely on to be a consistent goal scorer.
The 33-year-old has an impressive resume as he won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and has recorded over 50 points six times.
This past season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Smith had 13 goals, 27 points and 40 points in 76 games.
The Rangers have been searching for a winger that can play on a line alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad and Smith is the perfect fit.
Smith plays unselfishly while he can elevate his linemates both by being a scoring threat and facilitator.
Even if he doesn't play on a line with Kreider and Zibanejad, Smith will likely be serving as a top-six forward.
Carrick’s role will be different compared to Smith’s, but still valuable nonetheless.
The 32-year-old could be a staple on the Rangers’ fourth line, helping balance out the bottom-six.
The Rangers would certainly love more help on the penalty kill and that’s a place where Carrick can really assist the team and it’s a position he should thrive in.
Last season with the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers, Carrick tallied 10 goals, six assists and 16 points in 77 games.
