One of the toughest players in the NHL will now suit up for the Wild.
The team traded for Ryan Reaves on Wednesday, bringing in the veteran forward from the New York Rangers in a deal that sent a fifth-round draft pick in 2025 the other way.
"The way he plays his role is elite," Wild General Manager Bill Guerin said. "And more importantly than that, or just as importantly as that, he brings a lot of energy. He's just always full of energy."
Guerin and Rangers GM Chris Drury were in talks for a couple of weeks, which is around how long Reaves had been scratched.
He has zero points in 12 games this season, but the 35-year-old's lively style is predicated on bringing an edginess to the ice. Reaves, who entered the league in 2010-11, ranks third among active players in hits (2,645) and sixth in penalty minutes (992).
"He can still be effective," Guerin said of the 6-2, 225-pound Reaves, who fought Wild alternate captain Marcus Foligno in the season-opening 7-3 loss to the Rangers at Xcel Energy Center. "I think the main thing is that he moves his feet and gets to hits and plays physical. That's the biggest thing."
As for the sparkplug factor, that's a boost Guerin felt the Wild could use along with adding more size to the lineup. Reaves, who will wear No. 75, is expected to make his Wild debut on Friday vs. Toronto. He's on a one-year contract worth $1.75 million.
"He's a big personality," Guerin said. "Right now, that's something our team really needs."