John Locher/AP
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Ryan Reaves, left, celebrates after scoring against the New Jersey Devils during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Las Vegas.
Monday, June 15, 2020 | 2:16 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves has signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension.
“There’s two things I haven’t accomplished. No. 1: haven’t won a Stanley Cup. No. 2: haven’t won a scoring title,” Reaves said in a video posted to Twitter announcing the extension.
The team released the financial details.
“Now I can win a Stanley Cup this year. I can do it. Can’t win the scoring title. Can’t do it. Just missed it by a couple points. And I also can’t do it next year if I don’t have a contract,” he said.“So, I am happy to announce that I just signed a two-year extension with your Vegas Golden Knights. I’m back baby!"
Reaves was set to become a free agent after this season. He previously had a two-year deal worth $2.775 million per season.
The Golden Knights now have 16 players signed for next year at a combined cap hit of $75.125 million. If the cap stays flat next season, that gives them $6.375 million to fill out the roster.
Reaves was initially acquired at the trade deadline in 2018 and quickly became one of the more popular players among fans.
He had a career offensive year in 2018-19, with a personal-best nine goals, 11 assists and 20 points, while factoring into power-play rotation for the first time in his 10-year career. He had eight goals, seven assists and 15 points this season.
He also led the NHL in hits two years in a row, with 305 two years ago and 316 in the shortened season this year.
Reaves missed the scoring title by 95 points this season. If he wins it in the next two years, it’s easy to say he will have lived up to the contract.
