In a recent hard-fought contest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan Reaves found himself at the center of controversy following a hit that left Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse unable to continue. Reaves' illegal check to the head of Nurse not only impacted the player but also led to Reaves' fourth career suspension, highlighting a recurring issue in his play style.
The incident occurred during the second period. Reaves, known for his physical play, closed in on Nurse with what was deemed by the Department of Player Safety as a high, hard check. "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," the department explained in their statement.
This suspension marks Reaves' third offense related specifically to high hits, suggesting a pattern that the league has sought to curb. His play resulted in a significant setback for Nurse, who has been a key component of the Oilers' defensive unit this season, averaging nearly 21 minutes on ice per game and amassing two goals and nine points over 18 games.
The Edmonton Oilers, who valiantly pushed the game into overtime, ultimately fell 4-3 to the Leafs, adding an additional layer of frustration to an already challenging night. The loss of Nurse left a palpable void, both in strategic capacity and team morale. Teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins expressed the team’s sentiment: "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."
For his actions, Reaves will forfeit $35,156.25 in salary during his absence from the game. His contribution to the Maple Leafs, quantified by an average of just under eight minutes of ice time per game and a single assist over 16 matches, indicates his role has been limited in terms of offensive production. However, his physical presence on the ice, although sometimes crossing the line, has been a defining aspect of his game.
This suspension sidelines Reaves until his expected return on December 4th against the Nashville Predators. It provides the Maple Leafs with an opportunity to reassess his role and the impact of his physical play style, both on his opponents and on his own ability to remain in the lineup.
For the Oilers, the primary concern now is Nurse's health and the length of his potential absence. His contributions and nearly 21 minutes on the ice have been crucial to Edmonton's defensive core. The team hopes for a swift recovery as they attempt to maintain their competitive edge in a tightly contested league.
As the NHL continues to grapple with the balance between physical play and player safety, incidents such as this serve as a glaring reminder of the fine line players skate on. The league's handling of Reaves' suspension is consistent with their ongoing efforts to address and diminish dangerous head contact, protecting its players while preserving the integrity of the sport.