Ex-Rangers enforcer shows zero remorse in comments about his suspension after brutal headshot
Ryan Reaves' brutish hit on Darnell Nurse stirred controversy in the NHL. The illegal check to Nurse's forehead was subject to scrutiny online and by pundits in the NHL.
But now, the controversy has come home, as Reaves is currently serving a 5-game suspension. The hit originally was a 5-minute match penalty, but thanks to the Department of Player Safety there was justice.
Now, it appears ex-Rangers enforcer Reaves isn't staying quiet about his latest discipline.
His recent comments might as well have been made while wearing a Grinch costume. As he told TSN's Mark Masters:
"I already told the kids Christmas is cancelled."
Reaves Suspension, Cold, Cold Heart
Given he isn't making league minimum anymore, Reaves $1.35 Million cap hit could feel a little lighter. He is currently in forfeit of $35,156.25 according to Scouting The Refs.
That's quite a sum of money and could go to meaningful things like charity or his kids presents. Yet Christmas is canceled?
Nevertheless, Reaves was signed by Toronto in 2023 to bring some grit to the lineup. Despite never being an offensive wunderkind, he's known for his ability to rile up his teammates, and throwing the body to spark a fire under the Leafs roster.
Reaves, primarily an enforcer only has one point this season, and during his NHL career has only scored 136 points in 893 games.
He's spent his 15-year career split between teams like the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, and now The Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs have ironically been benefitting from his absence, as players like Matthew Knies, and Fraser Minten have seen significant ice time, with Reaves out of the lineup.
Despite, being a fighter only, the last time Reaves fought in the NHL, was when Max Domi last scored.
Reaves's saltiness is noted, while he sits on the sidelines and sees teammates like Matthew Knies get demolished without consequences.
Here's the latest statement from Reaves regarding the incident:
The enforcer is set to return to the lineup on Wednesday and was seen skating on the 4th line at practice with Connor Dewar, and Nikita Grebenkin.
No official date for return has been confirmed, but he'll be eligible to be back in the lineup soon.
