Reilly Smith Bio
Reilly Smith is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 1, 1991, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Smith has built a notable NHL career since his debut in 2011, highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Reilly Smith was born to Lester and Deirdre Smith in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in an athletic family, with his older brother Brendan Smith playing for the Dallas Stars and another brother, Rory Smith, competing in professional lacrosse. All three brothers played minor hockey in their local Etobicoke neighborhood before advancing to junior hockey with the St. Michael’s Buzzers and St. Michael’s College School in Toronto.
Smith attended St. Michael’s College School, where he was a standout player, serving as captain and assistant captain, and earning the Most Valuable Player award in his final season after recording 75 points. He later played collegiate hockey at Miami University, majoring in sport studies, and competed in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).
Path to Hockey
Smith’s junior hockey success led to his selection in the third round, 69th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning professional, he earned a bronze medal at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge. During his college career, Smith had a breakout sophomore season with 54 points in 38 games and earned multiple honors including first team all-CCHA and College Hockey News Second-Team All-America. In his junior year, he recorded a career-high 30 goals and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Reilly Smith Career
Early Career (2011–2013)
Smith signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars in March 2012, foregoing his final year at Miami University. He made his NHL debut shortly after and scored his first NHL goal in February 2013. During his rookie season, Smith played both in the NHL and with the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League (AHL), showing promise as a versatile forward.
Boston Bruins Breakthrough (2013–2015)
In July 2013, Smith was traded to the Boston Bruins in a major deal involving Tyler Seguin. During his first season with Boston, he was initially placed on the third line but moved up due to injuries, finishing with 19 goals and 30 assists. His strong performance earned him the Bruins’ “7th Player” award, given to the player who exceeded expectations. Smith continued to contribute in the playoffs and regular season over two years with the Bruins.
Florida Panthers Era (2015–2017)
Smith was traded to the Florida Panthers in July 2015, where he set a career-high 50 points in his first season. He signed a five-year contract extension with Florida in 2016 but experienced a less productive season afterward. Over two seasons with the Panthers, Smith recorded 87 points in 162 games before being traded due to salary cap considerations.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2017–Present)
Smith was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. He quickly became a key player on a top line alongside William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault. Smith posted a career-high 60 points in the 2017–18 season and helped lead the Knights to the Stanley Cup Finals. He continued to be a consistent offensive contributor, reaching milestones such as his 100th NHL goal and 500th NHL game. Smith won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023, scoring the Cup-clinching goal in Game 5.
Following the championship, Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023, then to the New York Rangers in 2024, before being traded back to the Golden Knights in 2025. He signed a one-year extension to remain with Vegas after his return.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reilly Smith is known for his offensive skills as a right winger, combining speed, playmaking ability, and scoring touch. He excels on scoring lines and has demonstrated versatility in line combinations. His chemistry with linemates and strategic positioning contribute to his effectiveness on the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Smith’s career highlights include scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal in 2023, recording his first professional hat-trick in 2021, and surpassing 100 career NHL goals. He has been recognized for exceeding expectations and playing a vital role in multiple playoff runs.
Reilly Smith Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Reilly Smith has accumulated numerous goals and assists across several teams, establishing himself as a reliable offensive player. His contributions have been instrumental in team successes, including the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup victory.
Vegas Golden Knights Highlights
Smith’s tenure with the Vegas Golden Knights has been marked by career-best performances, including a 60-point season and a Stanley Cup championship in 2023. He has been a consistent presence on the team’s top scoring lines and a key playoff performer.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining Vegas, Smith had productive seasons with the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, including a 50-point campaign with Florida. His steady development and adaptability have made him a valuable asset in the NHL.
Reilly Smith Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Reilly Smith comes from a family with strong athletic ties. His father Lester and mother Deirdre supported his and his brothers’ sporting pursuits. His older brother Brendan Smith is an NHL defenseman for the Dallas Stars, and another brother, Rory Smith, plays professional lacrosse, highlighting the family’s diverse athletic talent.
Personal Life
Details about Reilly Smith’s personal life, including marital status and children, have not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Reilly Smith returned to the Vegas Golden Knights after trades involving the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. He signed a one-year extension to continue with the team, bringing veteran experience and offensive skill to the roster. Smith’s presence is expected to bolster the Golden Knights’ forward lines as they pursue further playoff success.
