Golden Knights make smart moves with Saad and Smith signings
The Vegas Golden Knights surprised fans this season with two strategic signings that perfectly demonstrate Kelly McCrimmon’s approach to building a championship roster. Both Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith joined the team under unique circumstances, bringing veteran experience and proven playoff success to a franchise always focused on winning the Stanley Cup.
Brandon Saad: A mid-season gamble that paid off
Brandon Saad’s journey to Vegas began with a dramatic decision. On January 29, 2025, Saad and the St. Louis Blues mutually agreed to terminate his contract, forgoing approximately $5.4 million over the remainder of this season and next. Two days later, on January 31, 2025, the Golden Knights signed the 32-year-old forward to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Saad had struggled in St. Louis this season with 16 points (7 goals, 9 assists) in 43 games, along with a career-worst shooting percentage of 9.3%. However, his resume speaks for itself: 515 career points (260 goals, 255 assists) in 906 NHL games, plus two Stanley Cup championships with Chicago in 2013 and 2015.
The signing made sense for Vegas, who needed depth scoring and veteran presence. As Saad explained his decision: “I think, for me, to be able to go to a contender and the chance to win another cup [made this the right decision]. I’ve played against Vegas for years, and they have tremendous talent, depth, good coaching, great city.”
Reilly Smith: The original misfit returns home
Reilly Smith’s story is even more compelling. The Golden Knights reacquired Smith from the New York Rangers on March 6, 2025, trading forward Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Smith had 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 58 games with the Rangers this season.
On June 25, 2025, Smith re-signed with Vegas on a one-year contract worth $2 million with a full no-trade clause. Half of the contract is paid via signing bonus, according to reports.
Smith is one of the original “Misfits” from the franchise’s inaugural 2017-18 season. He ranks fifth in franchise history in games played (399), assists (162), and points (286), and stands third in goals scored (124). Most importantly, he helped Vegas win the Stanley Cup in 2023 before being traded to Pittsburgh that summer.
At his exit interview, Smith was clear about his desire to stay: “I think I play well for this team. I think the best hockey that I’ve played through my career has been wearing this jersey… Playing on a winning team where you truly believe you can win the Stanley Cup every year, that makes it more enjoyable.”
Kelly McCrimmon’s strategic vision
Both signings reflect General Manager Kelly McCrimmon’s philosophy of targeting character players who fit the team’s culture. Rather than making flashy moves, McCrimmon identified specific needs and filled them efficiently.
The Saad signing addressed immediate depth concerns without giving up assets, while the Smith reacquisition brought back a beloved player who understands the system and locker room dynamics. Both players have extensive playoff experience and championship pedigree.
As one analysis noted about Saad: “The relatively risk-free move is a solid one for the Golden Knights, particularly given Saad’s experience and his desire to play for a contender.”
Looking ahead
With both players now under contract for the 2025-26 season, the Golden Knights have added valuable depth without breaking their salary cap structure. The team now has $7.615 million in cap space remaining with Nicolas Hague as their only notable restricted free agent to re-sign.
For Smith, the signing brings him closer to a personal milestone. He’s just 81 games away from 1,000 career NHL games and expressed his desire to reach that mark as a Golden Knight: “I would like to play 1,000 games in my career, and to be able to do it in this jersey would mean a lot to me.”
Both Saad and Smith represent the type of veteran additions that can make the difference in a playoff run. They bring championship experience, depth scoring, and most importantly, the desire to win that has become synonymous with Golden Knights hockey.
The bottom line
The Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith signings showcase Kelly McCrimmon’s ability to identify opportunities and act decisively. Both moves addressed roster needs while maintaining financial flexibility, demonstrating the front office’s commitment to putting the best possible team on the ice.
As the Golden Knights continue their pursuit of another Stanley Cup, these veteran additions provide the depth and experience that championship teams require. For Vegas fans, seeing Smith back in gold and having a motivated Saad join the fold represents exactly the type of smart roster management that has made the Golden Knights perennial contenders.
Image Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/former-rangers-forward-signs-golden-213929896.html
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Sporting Events
Date: 06/26/2025
