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 established himself as a skilled offensive player since beginning his NHL career in 2011. He has played for multiple teams, including the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, and Florida Panthers, and won 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 alongside his older brothers Brendan, who plays for the Dallas Stars, and Rory, a professional lacrosse player. The siblings played minor hockey together in the Etobicoke neighbourhood of Mimico and later for the St. Michael’s Buzzers minor juniors.
Smith played junior hockey with the Toronto Nationals U16 AAA and St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. During his time at St. Michael’s, he served as both captain and assistant captain and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in his final season after scoring 75 points. He also won a bronze medal at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge before advancing to collegiate hockey.
He attended Miami University, majoring in sport studies, and played three seasons with the RedHawks in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Smith quickly adapted to the collegiate level, improving each year and earning multiple honors including First-Team All-America and Hobey Baker Award finalist during his junior year.
Path to Hockey
Smith was drafted 69th overall in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars while still playing at Miami University. After completing part of his collegiate career, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with Dallas in 2012, foregoing his final year at Miami. He made his NHL debut shortly after signing and scored his first NHL goal in February 2013.
Following his rookie season, Smith was traded to the Boston Bruins in a major deal involving Tyler Seguin. He quickly made an impact in Boston, finishing his first full NHL season with 19 goals and 30 assists. After two seasons with the Bruins, Smith was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he continued to develop as a consistent offensive contributor.
Reilly Smith Career
Early Career (2011–2013)
Smith began his professional career in 2011 after signing with the Dallas Stars. He made his NHL debut in March 2012 and played a handful of games that season. The following season, he split time between the Stars and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Texas Stars. He scored his first NHL goal in February 2013 and earned a promotion to a top-six role later that season.
Despite showing promise, Smith was traded to the Boston Bruins in July 2013 as part of a blockbuster trade. This move marked a turning point in his career, providing him with a larger role and more ice time in the NHL.
Boston Bruins Breakthrough (2013–2015)
Smith’s tenure with the Boston Bruins saw him establish himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker. In his first full season, he recorded 19 goals and 30 assists, earning recognition as the team’s 7th Player award winner for exceeding expectations. He played on various lines, including one with Patrice Bergeron and Loui Eriksson, which helped elevate his game.
During his second season with Boston, Smith continued to contribute offensively, tallying 13 goals and 27 assists, and participated in 12 playoff games. His consistent performance made him a valuable asset for the Bruins before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2015.
Florida Panthers Era (2015–2017)
Traded to the Florida Panthers in July 2015, Smith quickly became a key player for the team. In his first season, he set a career-high with 50 points in 82 games, tying for third on the team in goals. His strong play earned him a five-year, $25 million contract extension in 2016.
Although the following season was less productive, Smith remained an important part of the Panthers’ lineup. Salary cap constraints led to his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2017–Present)
Smith joined the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and quickly formed a dynamic line with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault. The trio was praised for their offensive chemistry, helping Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. Smith posted a career-high 60 points that year and contributed significantly during the playoffs.
He continued to be a consistent offensive presence for Vegas, recording his 100th career NHL goal in 2018 and playing in his 500th NHL game. Smith was named an alternate captain and scored his first professional hat-trick in 2021. In 2023, he was part of the Golden Knights team that won the Stanley Cup, scoring the Cup-clinching goal in Game 5 of the Finals.
After brief stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers, Smith was traded back to the Golden Knights in 2025 and signed a one-year contract extension to remain with the team.
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 the power play and in high-pressure situations, often contributing key goals and assists. His chemistry with linemates and ability to adapt to different roles have made him a valuable team player throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Smith’s career highlights include scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and achieving his first NHL hat-trick in 2021. He has surpassed 100 career NHL goals and played over 600 NHL games, marking him as a seasoned veteran in the league.
Reilly Smith Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Reilly Smith has been a consistent contributor across multiple teams, accumulating numerous goals and assists. His offensive production peaked during his time with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he achieved career-high points and played a pivotal role in their Stanley Cup victory.
Vegas Golden Knights Highlights
Smith’s tenure with the Golden Knights has been marked by significant achievements, including a career-high 60 points in the 2017–18 season and winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. He has been a key player in their playoff runs and remains an integral part of the team’s offensive core.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining Vegas, Smith had productive seasons with the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, consistently contributing goals and assists. His early career included important milestones such as his first NHL goal and establishing himself as a reliable NHL forward.
Reilly Smith Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Reilly Smith comes from a family with strong athletic roots. His father Lester and mother Deirdre supported his and his brothers’ sports pursuits. His older brother Brendan Smith is a defenseman for the Dallas Stars, while another brother, Rory Smith, is a professional lacrosse player. The siblings shared their early hockey experiences playing minor hockey together in Etobicoke.
Personal Life
Details about Reilly Smith’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
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 contributing to the team. Smith’s experience and leadership are expected to be valuable as the Golden Knights pursue further success in the NHL. His role as a veteran winger and alternate captain positions him as a key figure in the team’s offensive and locker room dynamics.