Ryan Reaves Finally Reveals Why He Hasn't Dropped His Gloves This Season
Ryan Reaves was brought in to fight for the Maple Leafs and provide a spark, but has yet to do so this season, and he's a bit perplexed as to why he hasn't.
It's been a rough year for Ryan Reaves this season. From not being an offensive or defensive threat, earning a five-game suspension earlier in the season, and also taking time to destroy arenas; albeit indirectly.
He has often been a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs and there are talks about potentially waiving Reaves or dumping his contract in order to not only free up some cap space, but to give a roster spot to a more deserving player.
But Reaves' one biggest issue this season is that he's not doing the one job he is expected to do which is fight. He hasn't dropped the gloves once and only had one preseason fight, leading to fans wondering exactly why he's on the team.
Reaves has spoken up about his lack of fisticuffs this season, but it's not for a lack of trying.
Ryan Reaves Wants To Fight, But Lacks True Opportunity
Speaking to media ahead of the Dallas Stars game on Tuesday night, Reaves opened up about how his lack of fighting has affected his season thus far:
«The other week I asked (Hathaway) on the draw when we lined up. I think it was right after Dew fought. He was on the ice. I went on the left wing, and I asked him. He said, 'No,' and he was awfully quiet for the rest of the game.»
«There's not as many (willing fighters) around. I think we've been on a little stretch where we haven't played many guys like that. We have a couple coming up here this week, actually. So, hopefully I get an opportunity to get one.»
Reaves has a point, as there is a definitive lack of enforcers nowadays and even when they do get their chances, often times they get too invested and end up paying the price, such as Matt Rempe being suspended for a vicious elbow.
It seems like instead of every team employing an enforcer, they are scattered among the more traditional and old-school style of coaching. Modern day hockey disregards toughness for finesse, and fighting is only reserved for the most special of circumstances.
Reaves this season has only two assists along with 23 PIM but none of those include fights.
It's admirable for Reaves to want to get into a scrap and provide the spark that Toronto needs. But maybe it's time for him to realize it's not part of the game anymore, and focus on improving other facets of his skillset.
