Ryan Reaves' Suspension Puts the Maple Leafs in a Tough Situation with the Salary Cap

On Sunday it was announced that Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves was suspended five games for his illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, leading to Reaves being ejected and Nurse leaving the game due to injury.

It was a brutal hit that will give Toronto five games without their rough-and-tumble enforcer, but it could be a blessing in disguise if they can figure something out with their bottom six.

Giving Reaves a mandatory five-game rest is going to be a big test for the rest of the Maple Leafs.

It's not that Reaves was any type of offensive player, but he's been a mainstay on the team and Craig Berube hasn't wanted to budge from his enforcer, and if they want to prove themselves now is the time to step up.

Nick Robertson needs to be better, bar none. One goal is inexcusable from someone who was so desperate for playing time and opportunity but hasn't shown it yet.

Pontus Holmberg has to wake up and start producing, David Kampf has to find his offensive spark again and whoever steps in for Reaves whether it's Connor Dewar or Alex Steeves: The time is now.

Toronto can't afford to have their players underperform with Reaves out. Literally.

They get no cap relief from Reaves being
out, and there is no real way for an external option unless Brad Treliving makes a trade.

They have internal options like Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin, but with Steeves just being called up; they don't wanna stretch the Marlies thin either.

With Toronto's next five games coming against very strong teams if there's any time for players to step up it's now.

Craig Berube has many options to choose from but all it takes is one to make an impact.

The time is yours gentlemen, use it wisely.