Ryan Reaves demoted by the Toronto Maple Leafs: the real reason has been revealed

PUBLICATION

Aaron Itovitch
October 11, 2024  (11:25)

SHARE THIS STORY

Photo credit: Markerzone

Ryan Reaves is one of the toughest players in the National Hockey League, but in his stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, questions have arisen about if he is still good enough to play in the league.

It feels as if that question was answered during the Toronto Maple Leafs' opening night matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, where the team was shutout for the first time since November 2021.

Ryan Reaves is on the team for one reason and one reason only - at this stage in his career, all he can do is fight. With the Montreal Canadiens' young budding enforcer Arber Xhekaj having had a fun time in the pre-season, punching Cédric Paré to the back of the head after he injured superstar Patrik Laine, there was the expectation Ryan Reaves would get even. Unfortunately, he didn't, and it was noticed.

Not only did Reaves not try to fight Xhekaj, he shied away from a fight when the opportunity arose.

Georges Laraque, a former NHL enforcer commented, calling Ryan Reaves out for not being brave enough to fight The Sheriff, who went from being undrafted to an NHL lineup at 21 years old.

Newly minted Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube certainly noticed, scratching Ryan Reaves in favour of Bobby McMann for the team's game last night. With McMann having had a great performance, it is unlikely he'll be coming out of the lineup any time soon.

While many already knew it at the time of its signing, the Ryan Reaves contract handed out by GM Brad Treliving looks to be a clunker - especially if he is too afraid to fight a 23 year old.

Warning: include(/home//inout/pub_inline.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/440306.php on line 37

Warning: include(): Failed opening '/home//inout/pub_inline.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/opt/cpanel/ea-php74/root/usr/share/pear') in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/440306.php on line 37

Previously

Evander Kane's new girlfriend announces life-changing news

Florida Panthers Aleksander Barkov carried off the ice after scary injury

Four frontrunners emerge in Mark Giordano sweepstakes: signing imminent

POLL
OCTOBRE 11   |   389 ANSWERS Ryan Reaves demoted by the Toronto Maple Leafs: the real reason has been revealed Do you think Ryan Reaves is NHL-calibre anymore?
Yes	70	18 %
No	319	82 %
LIST OF POLLS

MUST READ

10 minutes ago  |  By Skyler Walker Scene involving Gavin McKenna at the NHL draft combine is raising serious questions

1 hour ago  |  By Skyler Walker Police lay down charges and are actively searching for a former NHL enforcer: It won't end well for Link Gaetz

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Vegas receives major Brayden McNabb Game 3 update after scary hospitalization in the Finals

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Kent Hughes and the Canadiens face bizarre accusations just weeks into their offseason

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker John Chayka releases statement on Auston Matthews' future in Toronto that sounds like the last

5 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker A substantial Dylan Larkin trade offer is on the table and Elliotte Friedman breaks it

8 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Terrible news just hit the Minnesota Wild and nobody saw it coming

9 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet The head coach news Oilers fans have been waiting for is finally here

MORE STORIES