Fritsche Traded for Erik Reitz

In an unexpected move, Dan Fritsche has been traded to the Minnesota Wild for Erik Reitz. Reitz, a 26 year old defensemen, will probably serve as the 7th defensemen for the Rangers, as this is clearly a depth move. Reitz plays a very physical game, compensating for his lack of speed. This partially addresses the Rangers needs at the deadline, as they got a physical, bruising defensemen (he has racked up 100 PIMS in 4 of 6 AHL seasons, and at least 90 in the other two) in exchange for a spare part. Let’s hope he gets some playing time to see what he can do.

I say this move is unexpected because the Wild traded for Fritsche just one day after he cleared waivers. Why not pick him up on the waiver wire? They certainly have the cap room.

Reitz, like Fritsche, is in the last year of his current deal and will become an RFA at the end of the season.

Good luck to Fritsche in his new home, and I wish him all the best.

Update 4:30pm: The Depth Chart has been updated to reflect this trade.