Ryan Reaves has once again found himself in hot water with the NHL's Department of Player Safety. The Maple Leafs forward has been hit with a five-game suspension following an illegal hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This marks Reaves' fourth career suspension and notably his third for high hits, fueling ongoing discussions about player safety and the evolving nature of physical play in the NHL.
The incident took place during the second period of a tightly contested game between the Maple Leafs and the Oilers. Reaves delivered a shoulder hit aimed squarely at Nurse, making head contact unavoidable. The impact of the hit was severe enough that Nurse, a crucial part of the Oilers' blue line, was unable to return to the game, causing a significant disruption to the team's defensive setup. Nurse has been a standout for Edmonton this season, contributing two goals and nine points over 18 games while averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time per match, underscoring his vital role in the team.
The hit, described by the Department of Player Safety as a "high, hard check that cuts across the front of Nurse's body," was assessed for its potential to have targeted Nurse's head avoidably. This analysis led to the decision to penalize Reaves, not just for the incident itself but as part of his pattern of repetitive high hits.
Following the altercation, the Oilers fell to the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime, leaving Edmonton to grapple with both the loss of a key defenseman and the game. Veteran Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins expressed his concern about the play, saying, "It's a dangerous play. [Reaves] has got to know that Nursey doesn't see him coming and choose the right path there, and he doesn't. It's tough to see one of your teammates on the ice like that."
As Reaves serves his suspension, he will forfeit $35,156.25 in salary. This financial penalty adds another layer to the consequences of his actions on the ice. Throughout his 16 appearances this season, Reaves has averaged just under eight minutes of playing time per game and managed to contribute a single assist, raising questions about the balance of his physical style of play with his overall contribution to the team.
The five-game suspension is set to keep Reaves out of action until December 4th, when he is expected to make his return against Nashville. During his absence, the Maple Leafs will need to adjust their lineup, potentially providing opportunities for other players to step up in Reaves' enforced absence. This period will also give Reaves time to reflect on his approach to the game, particularly regarding his record of high hits.
The incident and subsequent suspension of Ryan Reaves serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge the NHL faces in regulating physical play while maintaining player safety. It highlights the need for a delicate balance between the sport's inherently physical nature and the protection of its players. Both the league and Reaves himself must navigate the implications of this latest suspension as they look forward to the remainder of the season.