Maple Leafs May Be Forced to Waive Ryan Reaves to Activate Injured player
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to welcome Calle Jarnkrok back to the lineup, but in order to do so, may need to waive Ryan Reaves in order to make some room.
A lot of talk recently has surrounded who the Maple Leafs are going to bring in via a trade, but a lot of their issues could be solved once Calle Jarnkrok returns.
After dealing with sports hernia surgery, he's close to a return. His comeback however would involve a casualty on the roster, and given he's not been a suitable player for Toronto, it's Ryan Reaves' time to go.
He hasn't been the player expected, and he hasn't done his one job this season which is fight (he only has one) and doesn't offer anything else in terms of offense or defense.
So what is the best course of action for the Maple Leafs regarding Reaves?
Ryan Reaves Needs To Go
Yeah, it's been enough of the Reaves experiment in Toronto. Expected to bring a lot of grit and toughness to the lineup, he's barely done that and given his lack of skills elsewhere; he's just a waste of a spot.
At least Jarnkrok has a purpose and fulfills it. He's a third-line center with great defensive metrics, high hockey IQ, and can add some scoring punch too he's just had bad luck with injuries.
He's 38, one of the oldest players in the league and his style of play as an enforcer is as good as dead. He doesn't block shots and can't be counted on except for a few hits here and there.
Plus, his $1.35M contract for this season and the next is just eating up potential cap room and there's no reason to pay Reaves that for what he's offering.
Toronto is also looking to make a move at the deadline, either for a scoring threat or for some defensive help, and Reaves' spot prevents the team from adding the right pieces.
This season, Reaves only has two assists in 33 games. He hasn't played since Feb. 4, and doesn't really have a shot in the lineup anymore; especially with Toronto looking to be on a roll with their current lines.
For his career, the 15-year veteran has 63 goals and 74 assists in 910 games spanning six teams: St. Louis, Vegas, Toronto, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and New York (Rangers).
Although he was signed to bring in some much needed toughness, Ryan Reaves has outstayed his welcome in Toronto.
The team needs players who can produce, and Reaves is not it. It's time for the team to cut their losses and move on.
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531990.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531875.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) skates against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
