NHL rumors: Reilly Smith close to five-year deal with Panthers

Apr 14, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers left winger Jussi Joking (center) congratulates teammate Reilly Smith on his second period goal in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

According to Gary Lawless, forward Reilly Smith is close to signing a five-year extension worth $25 million with the Florida Panthers.

The Florida Panthers have done a lot of things during the 2016 NHL offseason to improve a team that won the Atlantic Division in 2015-16. They are continuing to build their future, as Gary Lawless from TSN reports that the Panthers are close to signing forward Reilly Smith to a five-year extension worth $25 million that would start after next season.

Panthers @FlaPanthers finalizing 5 year deal with F Reilly Smith. $5 M AAV. Smith, 25, had 25-25-50 this year, led team with 8 playoff pts
— gary lawless (@garylawless) July 3, 2016

He was traded to the Florida Panthers from the Boston Bruins during last offseason. Smith came into Florida with concerns about whether he could produce away from Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. He erased those concerns with a career high 25 goals and 50 points, one point away from tying his career high. The right wing was especially clutch for the Panthers in the first round of the playoffs, leading the team with four goals and four assists for eight points.

Smith spent most of his time on ice with Vincent Trocheck and Jussi Jokinen, as the trio formed an extremely effective second forward line for the Panthers. He is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after the 2016-17 season. The Panthers are wise to lock him up now rather than wait and potentially have to pay even more to extend him. Smith is strong defensively, creating 51 takeaways while only turning the puck over 31 times during the regular season.

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