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New York Rangers: An update on the departed

By Steve Paulus

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 18: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates with Vitali Kravtsov #74 after Kravtsov's third period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 18, 2022 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 7-1. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 18: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates with Vitali Kravtsov #74 after Kravtsov's third period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 18, 2022 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 7-1. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Ryan Reaves #75 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on November 01, 2022, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Flyers 1-0 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Ryan Reaves #75 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on November 01, 2022, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Flyers 1-0 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Ryan Reaves

New York Rangers:   12 games, 0 goals, 0 points, 44 hits, 8:27 ATOI
Minnesota Wild:  55 games, 5 goals, 9 points, 138 hits,  9:13 ATOI

There were some eyebrows raised when Chris Drury sent Ryan Reaves to the Minnesota Wild for a 2025 5th-round draft pick, but the deal has worked out for both teams.  Reaves revived his career in Minnesota and is beloved by the fanbase.  Getting rid of Reaves gave Drury cap flexibility to make his deadline deals.

Offensively, Reaves has equaled his production from last season with the Rangers but has done it all in Minnesota, one of the teams in the West.  The Wild needed his physical play and locker room presence and it was simply a matter of taking his act to another city.

Reaves had two fights while with the Rangers and has had four bouts (won them all) with the Wild.  The six fights are the most he has had in one season since 2014-15.  He is a UFA after this season and the 36-year-old may have found a new home in the Twin Cities if he is willing to sign for close to the league minimum.

The Rangers gave up a fifth-round pick to get Reaves from Vegas so getting a fifth-round pick back seems like a fair trade.

Next up is a player who was a favorite of Gerard Gallant, but whose greatest attribute was his work ethic, not his skill.

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