Ryan Reaves Signs a Two-Year Contract Extension

The St. Louis Blues announced this morning that they have signed Ryan Reaves to a new two-year contract extension. The deal is of the one-way variety, all but assuring Reaves is a permanent piece of the NHL roster. According to Andy Strickland, the deal is worth $600,000 per year. Reaves has appeared in 25 games in 2011-12 and has been a tremendous force on the team’s fourth line.

This is a quality signing by the Blues. Reaves has excelled this season in an expanded role following the departure of Cam Janssen prior to the year starting. Where Janssen brought a fighter’s mentality, he often struggled in other assets of the game. Reaves is a more polished skater that has not only the ability to drop the gloves but also the ability to force offensive chances while making life miserable for the opposition in their own end.

I’ve been extremely impressed with Reaves so far in 2011-12 and judging by his new contract, the Blues have been too. He has made the big hits he is paid for but also has been a solid hockey player both in the offensive and defensive zones. No longer can a team afford to give a roster spot to a guy that can only drop the mitts, so Reaves’ ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game have paid off.

As for the fighting aspect of the game, Reaves has worked hard to improve his chances whenever he gets into a scrap. During the summer, he took boxing glasses and numerous times during the 2010-11 season you could find Cam Janssen teaching Reaves the finer points of fighting in the NHL. Clearly, his hard work has paid off.