Ryback once said that his young self didn't handle his role in the Rangers this season like he did.
It was a variation of the role he played for a significant part of his 12-year NHL career, but he could also put himself in a bubble on the roster, a terrible fourth-line executor. is. Reeves admitted in April that it was difficult to accept the ice time and occasional healthy scratches that were docked a few years ago. 8} Reeves admits that it was hard to get hurt in the 5th and 6th rounds of the Lightning match in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But the 35-year-old has grown into an incredibly self-aware and selfless teammate who understands what the Rangers need from him. That is also good. In particular, his role on the ice could be further reduced next season, depending on personnel.
"I'm happy with my role," Reeves said in his exit interview with the media after the Rangers were eliminated by Lightning. "Yes, especially in the playoffs and such big games, I don't want to get hurt all the time. But you know, I'm honest with myself. I had a dog in Game 4. It was a game that needed energy, but I didn't bring it. It was slipping. They were gaining momentum in the series, so changes were happening. I felt a bit.
"But I won't go there and sit there and spit out Do nothing I can do for the guys away from the ice. It's not time to distract. Now it's easier to handle. I'm a little more honest with my game and my job I think it's not easy, but I'm always saying that it's not the people who hurt me. I can't bring it into the playoffs. "
Reeves is in the regular season He scored 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) in 69 games and played in 18 of the Ranger's 20 playoff games. After a lower body injury on the injured list, four missed games in California due to the COVID-19 protocol, and three more, Reeves had eight healthy scratches later in the season, including the playoffs. did. ..
However, Reeves realizes that he may have been in that position sinceGolden Knights traded him to the Rangersin the last offseason. Seems to be doing.
Reaves concludes the final season of his two-year contract with Las Vegas (a $ 1.75 million cap hit). Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury then extended Reeves for another year with the same $ 1.75 million price tag in the 2022-23 season.
Over 35 contracts, but Reaves can still be purchased .. Because he has a one-year contract. According to CapFriendly, if the Rangers do so, it will be $ 583,334 for each cap in the next two seasons. Rangers will save about $ 1,166,000 next season, but will cost $ 583,334 next season.
It could depend on how the Rangers see his value to Reeves and the team. Signing a $ 1.75 million contract with a pressbox for most of the season is counterproductive. That $ 1,166,000 could be directed to another fourth liner. I'll tell you, Tyler Mott. A nasty winger who is part of the Rangers' trade deadline deliveryand is approaching an unlimited free agency, forechecks and penalties kills the team during a cameo appearance in 24 games with the club. Gave a remarkable boost to.
Every championship team needs a player like Reeves who emphasizes the growth of the Rangers' young core as an important part of the team's success. He has opened a niche for himself and seems to support the weight of his teammates. Many of our teammates explain how tall Reeves is when they are on the ice.
As a starting member, "Shesty releases us." As the founder of the pre-game routine, Reeves (whether wearing a suit or not) is the locker room doorway. Standing in and seeking a lead from goalkeeper Igor Sheschokin, teaming up for a warm-up, Reeves has become an integral part of the Rangers locker room. Whether he continues the role of the 4th line, acts as the 13th forward, or if something else hasn't been seen yet.
But Reeves revealed that he knew what he had to do this summer to earn ice time.
"The game where I don't fight much and these little kids are fast has changed," he said. "It's hard to keep up with them, so I think most of my summer now I'm just trying to take care of my body as fast as I can. I'm 35 now. I don't want to admit it. I never think it will fall apart like when I reached this age. Body care is important and there are some things that need to be tweaked.
"I'm not going there for bodybuilders, I'm now catching up with these young guys. That's the only way I can stay relevant. All matches If the guys are blowing me away, I'll never be in the lineup. "