Maple Leafs' Ryan Reaves is Going Viral and it's Not for His Play on the Ice

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Chris Gerics
November 13, 2024 (10:39 PM)

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Ryan Reaves took a unique approach to securing an endorsement deal as during the Leafs/Capitals game he ended up with an unintended extra piece of equipment.

Typically, when hockey players get endorsements, they can range from anything from sticks and helmets to Gatorade and Tim Hortons. It's also not too often you'll see a player go out of their way to get one.

Well for Ryan Reaves, he ended up indirectly looking for some luxury wheels:

After being bumped into the boards by Washington's John Carlson, Reaves ended up peeling away a portion of the Lexus banner ad that was stickered there. It clung to his jersey even after he sped away down the ice.

It was quickly removed and discarded thereafter and Reaves continued without his jersey add-on.

Reaves perhaps was trying to do his best Superman impression, but so far he's been anything but a hero for the Maple Leafs. Besides being a disaster offensively, Reaves doesn't even offer the one thing he's known for which is dropping the gloves.

He hasn't fought once this year, and with ample opportunities, he's either afraid of getting beat, or trying to shake off his enforcer role.

Whatever it is has led to Toronto being actively worse with him. Yes, he plays with grit and throws hits but it matters none when he gets scored on a bunch when he's on the ice and is two steps behind everyone else. Toronto can't afford to waste a roster spot on Reaves anymore, and you need to score to win, not hide.

It's not his first run-in with embarrassment either:

It's almost mind-boggling that he scored 9 goals one season, but it's not surprising that he's a career -47. He also weirdly doesn't block any shots, only averaging 22 blocks a season; not good from your winger who is supposed to patrol the point and block shots, another reason why he's a detriment.

For Ryan Reaves, his latest blunder is the cherry on top of a miserable season so far. If he would simply play better, contribute at least by doing his one assigned job then maybe, just maybe, it will be a successful season. If not, it's going to be Reaves sent packing and it won't be in a Lexus either.