Minnesota Wild Rumors: Team & Pending UFA Have "Mutual Interest" In New Deal

The Minnesota Wild acquired the hard-hitting veteran back in November, and it appears that the two sides hope their association will continue past this season. Ryan Reaves is an impending unrestricted free agent this summer, but according to Joe Smith, Michael Russo, and Shayna Goldman of The Athletic, a new deal could be struck:

There’s clearly mutual interest from the Wild and Reaves in the 36-year-old returning. (Wild GM Bill) Guerin likes his presence on the ice, with his physicality, and off the ice, with his alpha personality.

Reaves played just nine minutes per game as a fourth-line enforcer, but still managed to register 152 hits in his 66 games in Minnesota, while recording 15 points. 

He isn't the strongest skater or offensive performer, but he obviously brings something that Guerin feels his team needs. 

Reaves is coming off a $1.75M contract, and he intimated that he isn't too keen on taking a huge salary cut. He has admitted that he wants a multi-year deal, and to “squeeze every dollar” out of his next contract. His market value, however, according to The Athletic, is more in the $800,000 range. 

Should be an interesting negotiation, if the two sides are indeed interested in renewing ties. The Wild are extremely handcuffed on available cap room to fill out their roster for next season. 

The 36-year-old Reaves has accumulated over 1,000 penalty minutes in his 13-year career while registering 129 points in his 828 NHL games. 

Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports