Ryan Reaves Slams Leafs' Coaching and Fan Backlash in Blunt Interview: 'This Whole City Wanted Me Out'
Photo credit: David Alter - X
During his interview with David Alter of The Hockey News, Ryan Reaves explained that he was unhappy with Toronto's treatment of him during the 2024-25 season.
It was a bit of a stunner when the Maple Leafs traded veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for young depth defenseman Henry Thrun, a move that not only cleared Reaves' contract off the books but gives Toronto a young depth defender.
But in doing so, Toronto moves on from a rough two seasons of Reaves, and can look forward to the future focusing on adding players with defense, grit, toughness, and the passion.
It seemed like Reaves had the passion before, but his recent interview comments might end up showing that he might not have had his heart in the game fully.
Not only was he in Mitch Marner's ear regarding Vegas but seemed quite disheartened at his treatment as well.
Ryan Reaves was not happy with Toronto's actions in 2024-25
Speaking with David Alter of The Hockey News, Reaves explained that his treatment by management and the coaching staff wasn't always great and that he was frustrated with his lack of consistent playing time.
Reaves talked about how towards the end of the season he spoke with Brad Treliving regarding his role and how he felt like he no longer felt like he was part of the team's plans.
The final straw was being waived in favor of some trade deadline acquisitions:
I just thought that this wasn't obviously a good fit. I'm assuming he probably thought the same after putting me on waivers and sending me to the minors and just thought it was kind of time to part ways.
But it was Reaves' frustration with also doing well and not being rewarded, although it's hard to argue he made a true difference on the ice:
I think there was just a lack of trust very early in the season.
It just kind of looked like if I had one bad game, I was out of the lineup for four, five, six, seven, eight, nine games. I'd come back in, have a good game, but then be taken right back out.
I just really couldn't ever gain any momentum with my game or gain any traction. And that's hard, it's hard to play like that. So, yeah, I just didn't see a fit for me in the lineup, and it is what it is. That's also part of the business.
It just kind of looked like if I had one bad game, I was out of the lineup for four, five, six, seven, eight, nine games. I'd come back in, have a good game, but then be taken right back out.
I just really couldn't ever gain any momentum with my game or gain any traction. And that's hard, it's hard to play like that. So, yeah, I just didn't see a fit for me in the lineup, and it is what it is. That's also part of the business.
But he also had issues with the fans, and felt slighted by not being given any leeway whatsoever:
I started the season two years ago very well, and then things just started going really wrong for me, and all of a sudden this whole city wanted me out of there. I don't think you see that in other organizations.
Now, having said that, there are whatever nine million people there, so there are a lot more voices, and obviously it's the hockey mecca of the world, so there are going to be a lot more voices because of that.
But yeah, it wasn't anything too crazy. It's definitely different, but it's nothing too crazy.
Now, having said that, there are whatever nine million people there, so there are a lot more voices, and obviously it's the hockey mecca of the world, so there are going to be a lot more voices because of that.
But yeah, it wasn't anything too crazy. It's definitely different, but it's nothing too crazy.
Is Reaves correct in his assumption that he didn't fit in the lineup anymore?
Ryan Reaves a forgotten relic of a game long past
Well, simply put yes. Reaves at his age, and with his lack of any overall game means he's a detriment to the team at this point. He made it clear he hated being in the AHL, and he wanted to finish his career with 1,000 NHL games.
Toronto is heading in a different direction, one with a bit more youth, a bit more grit and defensive capabilities, and really just someone more adept at the modern game.
This isn't 2008 or even 2012, and it certainly isn't 1995; fighting is almost extinct in hockey, with very few fights breaking out between heavy duty enforcers; a role that by and large has died out rapidly over the past decade.
With no place for Reaves in the lineup, no real positives beyond some physicality and a locker room presence; why is Toronto essentially going to waste $1.5-million on a cheerleader?
Reaves has nearly 1,000 games and barely 150 points. He's not cut out for the game anymore; and that's not a slight, it's just fact. Even when he wanted to fight he couldn't find a partner; so if he's not doing his one job, what is he doing?
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 4637 ANSWERS Ryan Reaves Slams Leafs' Coaching and Fan Backlash in Blunt Interview: 'This Whole City Wanted Me Out' Is Ryan Reaves complaining too much or is he right in his assessment of how Toronto treated him? | ||
| Right on! | 1581 | 34.1 % |
| Complaining too much! | 3056 | 65.9 % |
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