Ryan Reaves Returns to Action After Shocking Demotion to Marlies
Enforcer Ryan Reaves has made his first appearance since being sent down to the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies.
Not long ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially demoted enforcer veteran Ryan Reaves to the American Hockey League; he last played in the NHL on March 2.
It all but effectively signaled the unofficial end of Reaves' tenure with the Leafs this ear barring several injuries that would force a return to the NHL level.
Ryan Reaves Keeping Game-Ready, Waiting For Chance To Play Again
Following a handful of practice sessions with the club, Marlies head coach John Gruden had the following to say about Reaves:
He's just going to stay ready. He's going to work with the development staff and at the end of the day, he's just going to continue to make sure he's ready to play regardless.
Shortly after his demotion, Reaves attempted to keep a positive attitude despite the difficult circumstances that he was now facing.
Everybody's got a role, and my role is a little bit different. I'm a guy who brings energy. But I try and still be involved when I'm not playing.
I think it's important to show support, whether you're in the lineup or not. It goes a long way, in the playoffs especially.
I just like to be around the boys. I don't like to be away from them.
I think it's important to show support, whether you're in the lineup or not. It goes a long way, in the playoffs especially.
I just like to be around the boys. I don't like to be away from them.
It may have been a bit of a bummer to see Reaves get demoted, and his locker room presence was one that created a lot of levity during any downturns in the season, but he was largely ineffective, and he didn't do much at either end of the ice to justify him sticking around, especially with the new additions.
Reaves appeared in 35 games with the Leafs this year, posting a pair of assists.
He's played for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild and Leafs in his career; he has 137 points (63G, 74A) along with exactly 1,100 penalty minutes - the bulk majority of which come from fighting majors.
| POLL | ||
MARS 26 | 540 ANSWERS Ryan Reaves Returns to Action After Shocking Demotion to Marlies Will Ryan Reaves ever play for the Maple Leafs again? | ||
| Yes | 216 | 40 % |
| No | 324 | 60 % |
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