Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Reaves isn’t feeling warm and fuzzy about his former team.
For the first time since being traded in November by the New York Rangers, the soon-to-be 36-year-old will face the Blueshirts tonight at 7 p.m. ET.
While Reaves was a popular player in the Rangers’ locker room, he wasn’t too happy about the lack of transparency the front office showed when he was scratched.
He claimed that the original six franchises shopped him before he insisted on being traded.
“I talked to my agent and he found out that there was a trade that was being worked on for a while already with Minnesota,” Reaves said.
“If you’re trying to trade me, you don’t want me, so then I’m going to push it forward and ask for a trade. But I’m not the one who put it in motion, we’ll put it that way.”
But Reaves didn’t stop there and said he would be “happy to go 2-on-1” with his former teammates.
He added, “That’s what it’s gonna take. You can write that wherever you want to write it.”
Throughout Reaves’ NHL career, he has made a living as a big 4th line player, who is recognized for working hard and dropping the mitts when he needs to.
He is also recognized for his off-ice personality.
While some argue the Rangers gave up too much to get him (a third-round draft pick), he helped build a new identity that helped the team get back in the playoffs following a rebuild.
But his time in New York was short-lived, as he was no longer needed with the team back as post-season contenders and other players have outperformed him.
Last year, Reaves played 69 games with the Rangers, registering 13 points and 43 penalty minutes.
This time, the Wild will hope the Winnipeg, Canadian native will help give the team some energy down the line as it looks poised to make the playoffs again.
The Wild currently sit in third place in the Central Division with 47 points.
But Reaves’ comments today could set the stage for interesting theatrics for the game.
The Rangers and Wild tonight can be watched on ESPN+ or locally on Bally Sports North and MSG Network.
