In a decision that comes as no surprise to those familiar with his playing style, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been handed a five-game suspension by the NHL for making an illegal hit to the head. The infraction, which occurred during a match against the Edmonton Oilers, has yet again thrust Reaves into the limelight for the wrong reasons. This marks the fourth career suspension for the enforcer, and notably, the third time he has been penalized for high hits.
The incident unfolded in the second period when Reaves delivered a shoulder hit to Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. What could have been a routine physical play escalated into a serious offense as Reaves' shoulder made contact with Nurse's head, making it the principal point of contact. Nurse was rendered unable to continue for the remainder of the game, underlining the severity of the blow.
Nurse, a cornerstone of the Oilers' defense, has played an instrumental role this season. With two goals and nine points across 18 games, and averaging nearly 21 minutes on the ice per game, his absence was felt acutely by the Oilers. The team subsequently succumbed to a 4-3 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs, a match they might have fared better in had Nurse been able to contribute to their defensive lineup.
The incident drew critical remarks from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. "Reaves closes in on Nurse and delivers a high, hard check that cuts across the front of Nurse's body, missing his core and picking it his head, making it the main point of contact on his body where such head contact was avoidable," explained the department, highlighting that the hit was both unnecessary and avoidable.
Voices from within the Oilers' squad echoed the organization’s frustration and concern. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins reflected on the incident somberly, stating, "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."
Financially, Reaves' suspension will cost him $35,156.25 in salary. The financial loss parallels the on-ice ramifications, as Reaves' absence translates to missing crucial playing time. Though he averages just under eight minutes of ice time per game, the role he plays as a physical deterrent often allows the more finesse-driven players on his team the freedom to operate.
The suspension serves as a significant blemish on Reaves' record, overshadowing an otherwise low-scoring season where he has managed a single assist in 16 appearances. It also poses a broader conversation within the league regarding player safety and the responsibility enforcers hold in managing their play style to avoid dangerous hits. As hockey continues to modernize, maintaining the sport’s fast-paced, physical nature while safeguarding participants' well-being remains an ongoing struggle for both players and the league.
Ryan Reaves is expected to return to the lineup on December 4th in a game against the Nashville Predators. Until then, the Maple Leafs will need to adjust to his absence, likely re-strategizing their player alignment and tactics to maintain their aggressive edge without stepping over the line.