Ryan Reaves Shows Zero Remorse in New Comments About Suspension
Ryan Reaves' suspension was the cause of controversy in the NHL but it also apparently led to some controversy in the Reaves household as well.
Ryan Reaves got suspended for an illegal check to the head of Darnell Nurse, which cost him five games. Toronto has done well in his absence as Reaves counts down the days before he's eligible to return.
He won't be counting down the days until Christmas though, as Reaves revealed to TSN's Mark Masters that his suspension has turned him into a Scrooge for the holidays.
Ryan Reaves Suspension Leaves Him Feeling Frosty
While he certainly isn't hurting for money given his $1.35M annual salary, but in those five games he did end up forfeiting $35,156.25 due to his suspension per Scouting The Refs. That's certainly enough for any player to be upset and that amount could buy a lot of presents for Reaves' kids.
Reaves signed with the Maple Leafs in July 2023 as Toronto wanted to add some edge and toughness to their team as they felt it was lacking. Reaves hasn't been great so far with his time in Toronto, but often tries to spark the boys with big hits.
Not offensively-minded, Reaves only has one assist this season and his career totals aren't sublime. He has a career total of 136 points in 893 games, with the 15-year veteran spending time with six different teams (St. Louis, Vegas, New York [Rangers], Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Toronto).
Known primarily as a fighter and enforcer, Reaves has yet to fight this season and ironically had his last fight in the regular season in the same game Max Domi last scored. He is signed for another season and it'll be tough to see Toronto move out one of their rookies for the 37-year old.
It's understandable why Reaves would be a bit salty given his hit led to a suspension meanwhile his teammate Matthew Knies got rocked without consequence. Reaves is eligible to return from his suspension Wednesday and was seen skating on a line with Nikita Grebenkin and Connor Dewar.
It's presumed that Reaves will be back in the starting lineup Wednesday as Toronto tries to take control of the Atlantic and take advantage of a struggling Predators team.
FAQ: Ryan Reaves' Suspension Ruined Christmas
Q1: Why did Ryan Reaves get suspended?
A1: Ryan Reaves got suspended for a hit on Darnell Nurse during Toronto's game against Edmonton on Nov. 16. He missed the next five games for the Maple Leafs.
Q2: When can Ryan Reaves return to the lineup?
A2: Ryan Reaves is eligible to return to the lineup on Wednesday against Nashville. It's presumed he will start as he was practicing with the main squad but as always, lineups are subject to change with Craig Berube's last minute swaps.
In closing, Ryan Reaves' Christmas may have been ruined due to his suspension, and while he may be upset he lost out on a chunk of salary this season, he can take solace in the fact he'll be back earning money for whatever he desires in no time.
