Craig Berube Confronts the League's Decision on Ryan Reaves' Strict Suspension

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Chris Gerics
November 18, 2024 (4:04 PM)

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Head coach Craig Berube was not pleased about Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves' suspension and took umbrage with the NHL for its ruling.

The NHL handed Ryan Reaves a five-game suspension for his illegal hit to the head of Edmonton's Darnell Nurse on Saturday night.

Reaves was kicked out of the game and the Maple Leafs forward was scheduled for a hearing on Sunday.

A lot of questions surrounded how the NHL would respond to Reaves' hit, given that they have a very sketchy track record when it comes to punishing players.

They will gladly give a fine for a reverse hit, but will turn a blind eye and fine a headshot.

Tanner Jeannot just recently returned from a three-game suspension for his headshot on Brock Boeser, a much dirtier hit that has left Boeser still out with a concussion.

It was a scary scene that left fans of both teams upset and wondering why Reaves would act recklessly. His teammates came to his defense and tried to play peacemaker in the situation, though had their enforcer's back no doubt.

Craig Berube's Not Thrilled With Ruling

One person who wasn't that impressed was Reaves' head coach Craig Berube, who gave his thoughts on the whole fiasco.

Commenting on Reaves' suspension, Berube spoke about how he thought the punishment was a bit excessive, but acknowledged the league has a job to do:

"I mean, it is what it is. You know, it's tough. I mean, it's a lot. But at the same time, I get it, too.

They've come down hard on hits to the head, and it's not like [Revo] tried to hit him in the head. It was just a tough play, tough play."

Berube is no stranger to being in Reaves' shoes as the former NHL enforcer tried to intimidate people using his body and his fists.

Craig Berube also noted that Reaves was remorseful in his actions, and understands that his forward is not a dirty player, but rather just ultra-aggressive:

"He's upset, obviously. He's upset that he put his team down. But at the same time, his type of game, and sometimes things happen.

And it's not like he's a dirty player. He's not a dirty player. He's a clean player, in my opinion, for his role. And there was no intention of him doing that. It just happened."

Reaves will be eligible to return to the club on Dec. 4 against the Nashville Predators, although if the bottom six can start producing and give Toronto life, Reaves may be waiting a bit longer.

Toronto heads back to Scotiabank Arena without Reaves to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights as they try to continue their winning ways.