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Toronto Maple Leafs Disrespect Enforcer Ryan Reaves With Embarrassing Photo On Social Media

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Chris Gerics
October 25, 2024  (7:28 PM)
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Ryan Reaves hasn't done much yet this season, but he didn't deserve the recent disrespect shown by the Maple Leafs social media team during their slump.

Known for his physical nature and reputation as an enforcer, Ryan Reaves isn't the flashiest player, nor the most skilled but he still has managed a decade-plus long NHL career and is talented enough to not only have earned a shot in the NHL but to have lasted so long. He has a role that very few command, and while fans aren't necessarily happy with his lack of production, it's hard to find someone like Reaves.

So it was a sheer sign of disrespect towards the Maple Leafs forward as twice on social media, the Toronto Maple Leafs have used Reaves as a backdrop while they were losing, both against St. Louis and Columbus:

Toronto has a roster of 20+ other players and personnel they could have used to showcase the score but chose to use Reaves twice. Not only is it disrespectful but it could also be seen as a slight dig at Reaves' play this season, pegging him as the reason Toronto isn't winning. Overall, the entire team has looked sluggish and unmotivated the past two games, and given that many of their key players are struggling just adds to the frustration fans feel towards Reaves.

While they might have an argument for his lack of offensive production, Reaves isn't a goal-scorer. Yes, he could be better defensively but he does offer an intimidating presence on the ice regardless. No one wants a 6'2, 225-pound beast hurdling toward them with increased momentum, and it makes players think twice about skating with their heads down, or unaware of their surroundings.

Reaves isn't a huge factor in games and the Toronto Maple Leafs could do without his bloated contract, but Ryan Reaves didn't deserve to be disrespected and essentially targeted for Toronto's issues; it's the whole team.

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Should the Maple Leafs trade their only enforcer in Ryan Reaves?

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