After a humbling 7-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, the Vegas Golden Knights are shaking things up-and one of the original cornerstones of the franchise is right in the middle of it. Reilly Smith, one of the Original Misfits from that unforgettable inaugural season, is getting a bump up to the top line alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone.
It’s a notable move, especially considering Smith’s relatively quiet season so far. With eight goals and seven assists to his name, he’s on pace for 13 goals and 11 assists over 76 games-numbers that fall well short of the 27 assists he posted last year.
But this promotion isn’t just about box score production. It’s about trust, pedigree, and what Smith has meant-and still means-to this franchise.
Smith has been a fixture in Vegas since day one, tallying 135 goals and 177 assists in eight seasons with the Golden Knights. That kind of consistency and leadership doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by head coach Bruce Cassidy, who’s not shy about giving key veterans a chance to spark the offense.
And this isn’t the first time Cassidy has looked to the OGs to elevate the top line. Just two seasons ago, Jonathan Marchessault lit up the league with a 42-goal campaign, largely thanks to his time skating alongside Eichel.
And during the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup run, William Karlsson got his shot on the top unit, notably during the series against the Edmonton Oilers. So while Smith’s promotion might raise a few eyebrows on paper, it fits a pattern that’s worked before.
Cassidy praised Smith’s versatility, noting his ability to play both wings and mesh with virtually any linemate. That flexibility is key when you’re skating with high-IQ players like Eichel and Stone-two guys who can drive offense and elevate those around them.
It’s a trio that hasn’t seen much ice time together-just 2:43 total last season, per Natural Stat Trick-but that small sample did produce a pair of shots. Now, they’ll get a real look.
At 34, Smith isn’t the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s a technician. He’s meticulous about the little things: stickhandling, positioning, off-puck movement. Those details don’t always show up on the scoresheet, but they’re the kind of traits that can unlock a line’s full potential-especially when skating with two elite talents like Eichel and Stone.
With the Canadiens coming to town on Tuesday, this new-look top line could be the jolt Vegas needs to get back on track. Smith’s promotion isn’t just a nod to his past contributions-it’s a calculated move to see if his steadiness and fundamentals can help reignite the Golden Knights’ offense.
And really, what better time to roll the dice than now? A franchise original getting another shot at the top, flanked by two of the league’s premier forwards-if that doesn’t fire up the locker room and the fan base, what will?
Vegas is betting on chemistry, experience, and a little bit of that old Misfit magic. Let’s see if it pays off.