The Vegas Golden Knights traded enforcer Ryan Reaves to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick, the team announced Thursday.
Reaves has a reputation as the league's toughest customer. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound heavyweight appeared in 37 games with the Golden Knights last season, tallying one goal, four assists, and 27 penalty minutes. The latter was low by his standards, but he's typically so feared it can be tough for him to get a fight.
The 34-year-old has one season left on his contract with a $1.75-million cap hit.
Newly minted Rangers general manager Chris Drury has made a clear effort to add sandpaper to his club in his first offseason at the helm. The team has already brought in checking wingers Barclay Goodrow and Sammy Blais, as well as towering defensemen Patrik Nemeth and Jarred Tinordi.
The Rangers notably got into a line brawl with the Washington Capitals last season after Tom Wilson sucker-punched Pavel Buchnevich and rag-dolled Artemi Panarin.
Wilson and Reaves have fought each other twice before, according to HockeyFights.com. Reaves manhandled Wilson in their last bout in 2014. Wilson wrestled Reaves to the ice in their first tilt in 2013.
The Caps and Rangers are set to meet in the 2021-22 season opener.
Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.