Earlier on Wednesday, the New York Rangers traded forward Ryan Reaves to the Minnesota Wild.
This was what Reaves wanted. Dan Rosen of NHL.com revealed how Reaves asked to be traded with his agent to Rangers GM Chris Drury while the team was in Los Angeles.
He got what he wanted, but what about the Wild? Fans started wondering if the team acquired Reaves for his fighting, however general manager Bill Guerin informed insider Michael Russo of The Athletic why he agreed to move a 2025 5th round pick for the veteran forward.
“It’s not for the fighting. He’s a biiiiigggg personality. He’s got a lot of energy. He’s got swagger. We’ve been missing that. The energy he brings is really good. And size. He’s gonna help us get our identity back.”
Guerin knows all too well what Reaves can bring in the team’s dressing room. They have a connection from their time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Reaves will get the chance to prove to his teammates how Guerin is right about his assessment.
Reaves will also get the opportunity to play some more. He had been scratched in seven of the past eight games and played 7:26 in the one game he did play. He has yet to record a point in 12 games with the Rangers this season, his second with the team.
He should feel his swagger come back with a vengeance and will surely get on the board now!
