Ryan Reaves' Impending Suspension Opens Up a Notable Opportunity For The Maple Leafs
With Ryan Reaves' impending suspension, his absence will open up Toronto's bottom six to start scoring more, at least that's the hope.
A big negative about the Toronto Maple Leafs' season amidst their 11-6-2 start to the season is the fact they have had almost zero production from their bottom six. Nick Robertson has been invisible, Max Domi is ice-cold, and don't even ask about Pontus Holmberg.
Their bottom six have combined for 17 points in 105 games between their main third and fourth lines, with the only bright spot being Max Domi's 6 points but he got those the first two weeks of the season. It's been a nightmare, but there could be a silver lining in all of this. If Ryan Reaves is out, it gives Toronto a chance to add some more offense into the lineup and try to spark something.
Numerous names can step up to play for Reaves and offer so much more than the Leafs enforcer does. Alex Steeves has been waiting for his chance, Connor Dewar can find his offensive potential again, and perhaps Nick Robertson will take this opportunity and run with it. Craig Berube has some names he can move up and down the lineup, but it's up to the players to perform.
If the Maple Leafs don't step up and start producing, they are going to be traded out of town sooner than later. There's no excuse for this complete lack of production and as each game passes, their contracts look more and more awful. It's been a season-long problem that needs addressing immediately.
Domi is earning $5M for 6 points, and Kampf, Reaves, and Robertson cost nearly $3M; having almost $8M in wasted roster space is a handicap even the best teams can't get through without damage. Brad Treliving should work to make a trade for someone who can make an impact such as Anaheim's Frank Vatrano, who last season scored 37 goals; an incredible addition to add to increase your scoring.
It was a bad decision on Ryan Reaves' part to level Darnell Nurse with a dirty hit, and it's costing him games. But this could be the spark Toronto needs to get their bottom line going. I guess Reaves could end up inspiring the team, even if it comes at a price.
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Who do you think will step up for the Maple Leafs on the bottom six? | ||
