Veteran Penguins forward Riley Smith has switched gears in his representation, now aligning with CAA Hockey, amidst speculation of impending roster changes for the Pittsburgh team.
The change in agents often hints at major upcoming decisions, and this is no exception as the Penguins deliberate over potential significant adjustments to their lineup, which might include trading Smith. At 33, Smith, who hasn't altered his no-trade clause, appears poised for a move, especially as Pittsburgh seeks to free up cap space.
Highlight the Penguins' current roster situation. With only 15 players signed for the forthcoming season and a limited cap space of $10.7 million, high-salary players like Smith are under scrutiny. In his sole season with the Penguins, Smith participated in 76 games, contributing 13 goals and 27 assists, accumulating a total of 40 points with a plus-minus of +3, as detailed here:
Considering the tight financials, Pittsburgh might need to absorb some of Smith's salary to facilitate a trade. The $5 million cap hit could be a stumbling block for potential trade partners, especially if Smith's performance is perceived to be waning.
With these dynamics at play, Penguins' GM Kyle Dubas faces a critical period filled with pivotal decisions that could reshape the team's future. This transition period will undoubtedly be one to watch, as it could dictate the strategic direction of the franchise in the coming months.
