Rangers make lineup change for trade-related reasons.

It appears that yet another trade deal is on the horizon for the New York Rangers.

A report from National Hockey League insider Pierre LeBrun has indicated that veteran National Hockey League forward Reilly Smith has been pulled out of the lineup ahead of today's clash between the aforementioned Rangers and the Nashville Predators. Additionally, LeBrun outlines that this decision has been made purely for trade-related reasons, which would appear to suggest that Smith will soon be wearing another jersey.

The decision to trade Smith makes a ton of sense for a Rangers team that has struggled to find its form all season long, especially when you consider the fact that Smith is currently on an expiring contract. Smith is currently in the final year of a 3 year deal that carries an average annual value and salary cap hit of $5 million per season, so the Rangers trading him before he walks away as a free agent at the end of the season is simply good asset management.

Smith could be a solid asset for a playoff run, but with the Rangers currently sitting outside of the playoff bubble it makes much more sense to attempt to get an asset in return for Smith while you can.

This season Smith has 10 goals and 19 assists for a total of 29 points over 58 games with the Rangers, but perhaps his most valuable asset is his adaptability. Smith has played for a number of different NHL teams and coaches throughout his career in the NHL, including the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins and of course the Rangers themselves, which means he will likely be able to quickly adjust to a new situation as he has had experience doing so many times already.

No word yet on what teams may be involved or what return the Rangers may be looking at here.