Former NHL enforce reveals Ryan Reaves refused to drop the gloves with Matt Rempe in latest matchup

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Ryan Hall
October 24, 2024 (10:03)

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Former Maple Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill revealed yesterday that Ryan Reaves had avoided Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe several times during the Rangers Maple Leafs game last Saturday.

Rosehill reported that Rempe attempted to fight Reaves several times throughout the game, and it appeared that he avoided him often and even refused to look at him.

I've had some info that Rempe was absolutely coming after Reavo and coming to get that thing underway. I thought it was going to happen for sure and I found out afterwards that Rempe said I've asked him several times and he acted like I didn't exist and wouldn't even make eye contact', and you saw that with Wi-Fi as well, game one.

«I know it was at the end of his shift but when that happened to me and someone challenged me and like back up and shake your gloves almost, I'm fine if you're at the end of your shift, like nice try, and then make sure next shift you find that guy.

It's becoming clear that Reaves' role in the NHL and with the Maple Leafs continues to be diminished. Numerous times last year and even this year, he has been a healthy scratch and has seen his ice time limited due to his defensive issues.

After Rempe roared onto the NHL stage and one over the hearts of the fans and his teammates, he took on several prominent enforcers throughout the NHL in the late stages of last year's season. This season head coach Peter Laviolette seems reluctant to play Rempe as often as the team continues to win games with the current lineup. Rempe Has only suited up for two games and only has 5 minutes and 39 seconds of ice time on average with no points.

It remains to be seen on how Laviolette will deploy him in future games but in the meantime, Rempe will need to wait for his chance to return to the ice.