Ryan Reaves Slams the NHL After Question Regarding His Retirement Plans
Though Ryan Reaves is still going strong in 2025, his career is dwindling down and he has his sights set on a career on creating more hype around hockey.
It hasn't been the best season thus far for Ryan Reaves although the veteran enforcer is making the best of things. He finally got his first fight out of the way, and he's trying his best to bring a spark to the team whenever he's on the ice.
But he is getting up there in age, and while it's impressive to be able to perform at 38-years old, his career is in its twilight and there's only a handful of seasons left; especially given how his role as enforcer has diminished drastically over the last decade.
So with that in mind, he has sights set on post-retirement, and with his latest comments to The Athletic, looks to be one set on making hockey fun and the talk of sports media.
Ryan Reaves Wants To Have A Spittin' Chiclets Style Show
It's not coincidence that Reaves would want to follow in fellow enforcer Paul Bissonnette's footsteps as the Welland, Ontario native has made quite the name for himself as not only an NHL analyst, but with his very successful Spittin' Chiclets podcast he co-hosts alongside former NHLer Ryan Whitney.
Reaves talked about how the show brings excitement with its off the cuff discussions, style of humor and how it shows the game of hockey as more than a business and what it's supposed to be at its core; fun:
The Maple Leafs enforcer isn't wrong. Often times the NHL chastises its players for going against the grain of what's normal and not. While it's understandable that they want some structure, you rob a lot of the individuality that makes these players so exciting to watch.
We aren't saying that you need to completely alter the system, but at the end of the day these players are human; let them express themselves.
The NHL enforces a strict dress code of suits and ties, but what if Connor McDavid wanted to show up for the Stanley Cup in a Hawaiian shirt, Birkenstocks and cargo shorts?
Would it really hinder his ability to play, or would it make the NHL look like a fool? No, on the contrary. It would show the NHL has fun with it's game, and as a League so archaic at times; it's a desperate change.
Reaves also mentioned how it's hard to speak your opinion or have thoughts as everyone seems to have to agree, or be chastised by their other panelists:
When Inside the NBA was on, more often than not panelists Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal would disagree and get into a verbal fracas that made for must-watch TV. It was analysis mixed with personality which is something the NHL sorely lacks.
Even the ancient MLB has its broadcasts filled with different legends, analysts and players who give personal anecdotes, and insights into the game and often give a first-hand look at why the game is how it is.
Reaves for the lack of his production on the ice has so much to offer off the ice, it's a wonder why he doesn't hang it up now and make a statement (though a Stanley Cup chance may make that a bit harder) but he's on the right track.
This season, Reaves has zero goals, two assists and one fight in 31 games for the Maple Leafs this season.
Paul Bissonnette started the trend, and he gets to sit next to hockey royalty on a regular basis. Reaves is trying to keep it going and be the next voice for the typically quiet NHL.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 29 | 394 ANSWERS Ryan Reaves Slams the NHL After Question Regarding His Retirement Plans Do you see Ryan Reaves being a part of the media after retiring from playing pro hockey? | ||
| Yes! The next Biz-Nasty! | 248 | 62.9 % |
| No, just stay away | 146 | 37.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
