Ryan Reaves Leaves Game After Fight With Nic Deslauriers

Tonight the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in Philadelphia for an important regular season matchup. Just five minutes into the game Ryan Reaves decided to drop the gloves and fight Flyers forward Nic Deslariers

The fight which saw both sides get in some good shots has ended in frustration for the Maple Leafs heavyweight. First covered by Philly Hockey Now Deslauriers took it to Reaves so bad that he had to leave tonight's game after his right eye was swollen shut.

Despite having his eye swollen shut from the fight many people who commented on the game believe that Ryan Reaves won it in the end.

Reaves is one of the most decorated fighters in the NHL being a staple for over 800 games and racking up over 1000 penalty minutes. While this is impressive in its own regard, Delauriers also has a monster track record with over 800 penalty minutes himself.

Given how the two are experienced at fighting, it is all the more unfortunate that Reaves had to exit as a result of his injuries. However, a tough customer himself, Reaves will fight off this injury and look to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup sooner rather than later.

Reaves has been sidelined for a solid portion of the 2023-24 season both with injury and just by being a healthy scratch. Through 38 games with the Leafs, Reaves has produced three goals and an additional assist for a total of four points. He averaged just over eight minutes a night when he does play and oftentimes is forced to ride the bench in favor of younger and better players.

While his on-ice product may not be all that enticing for Leafs fans, Reaves provides more in the sense of his locker room presence which brings the overall team morale up.

Regardless of who won the fight the stage has been set that Ryan Reaves will back down from no one. As the playoffs begin the Maple Leafs better hope Reaves is healthy and available to protect his teammates and bring energy to the crowd and his team like he did tonight.