Reaves was a healthy scratch for the Wilds' previous game but will draw back into the lineup Monday as a replacement for Sam Steel (undisclosed). The 36-year-old bruiser has six assists, 20 SOG, 26 PIMs and a -4 plus/minus through 44 games with both Minnesota and the New York Rangers this season.
Reaves heads to Minnesota for a 2025 5th round pick after failing to pick up a point through 12 games played with 12 PIMs and a -5 plus minus. He joins the Wild in hopes of receiving more ice time as he only saw 8:27 ATOI with New York.
Reaves was hurt early in Monday's game vs. the Flames and did not return. Moving Reaves to IR means that the Rangers will not have to make a move to activate Kaapo Kakko, who is expected to return to the lineup on Friday.
Reaves missed Game 6 after being added to the COVID-19 reserve list but the Golden Knights are hopeful that he will be available for Game 7. Head coach Pete DeBoer said that "after a positive test you must have multiple negative tests to prove it was a false positive, and they’re still waiting on those results."
Reaves has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury but travelled with the team to St. Louis and will be a game-time decision on Monday. Reaves will likely replace Patrick Brown in the lineup if he plays.
