The New York Rangers have acquired Ryan Reaves from the Vegas Golden Knights. Reaves is considered one of the last true enforcers left in the NHL. In return, the Golden Knights get a third round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft. The 34-year-old winger has one year left on a contract paying him $1.7 million.
Rangers Acquire Ryan Reaves
#NYR acquire Ryan Reaves from Vegas for 2022 third.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 30, 2021
Reaves appeared in 37 games for the Knights last season. The fourth-liner scored a goal and four assists. In that same time, the enforcer sat in the penalty box for 27 minutes. The former fifth round selection of the St. Louis Blues has bounced around the league, playing for Pittsburgh as well.
The winger developed a fan-favourite personality in the playoffs for the Golden Knights during their first year in the league. His no-nonsense attitude and traditional tough-guy appeal has made him a fan favorite, or least favorite, across the league. In 686 NHL contests the winger has scored 49 goals and 52 assists for 101 points.
What This Means for the Future
The Rangers have been acquiring a ton of players on the trade market recently. They got former Blues player Sammy Blais, Barclay Goodrow, and now Reaves. Their bottom six might not as dynamic as some of their Metropolitan Division opponents, but it’s got a lot of grit to make up for it. Reaves will be a nice addition to the fourth line, adding a physical element to the Rangers gameplay. Similarly, the Rangers also have another veteran presence in the locker room.
With the younger talent the team has, a veteran face might help build some chemistry. This fall the Rangers are shaping up to be a rough, tough, and talented group that’s looking to propel the team into another winning era of hockey. With a nice balance of young and older players, the team might have what it takes to make a playoff run.
