Ryan Reaves was acquired by the New York Rangers shortly after the conclusion of the 2021-22 NHL season to address the perceived lack of toughness on the team. Unfortunately for Reaves, he was not durable enough to come away unhurt from an on-ice entanglement with defenseman P.K. Subban during Wednesday’s 6-2 home loss to the New Jersey Devils at home.

Reaves winced in pain as he was being helped off the ice and looked as though the lower-body injury that he sustained could keep him out for an extended time. However, that might not be the case, with Rangers head coach Gerad Gallant suggesting that Reaves could be back sooner than later, per The Athletic.

New York Rangers winger Ryan Reaves is day to day after leaving Wednesday's preseason game against the New Jersey Devils with a lower-body injury in the first period. Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said he isn't worried about it being a long-term injury.

Reaves was traded by the Vegas Golden Knights late last July to the Rangers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 34-year-old forward, who scored just a goal to go with four assists in 37 games last season with Vegas, is currently slotted with Sammy Blais and Kevin Rooney on the Rangers’ fourth line.

Reaves still has plenty of time to recover. The Rangers are scheduled to open their 2021-22 NHL season schedule on the road against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Oct. 13.