Ryan Reaves and Nicolas Deslauriers had one of the bigger fights of the year just a few days ago, and now Ryan Reaves has changed his equipment as a result.
Now, Ryan Reaves was seen at practice sporting some new protective equipment as a result of the fight. He was wearing a visor for what seems like the first time in his career.
Ryan Reaves back on the ice ahead of Leafs practice
Missed Wednesday's game after taking a finger to the eye in the fight with Nicolas Deslauriers
Now wearing a visor
Ryan Reaves had hilarious comments after practice regarding his visor, sharing that he hates wearing it.
He didn't hold back in sharing his feelings about the visor in his comments to the media, saying that it was horrible.
Ryan Reaves has never worn a visor in the NHL
How'd it feel today?
"Horrible," he said with a big smile. "I hate it."
Max Domi chimes in, "He looks really good."
Reaves is fighting not only other teams' tough guys on the ice but also is fighting to maintain his spot in the Leafs' lineup. He has played well on the fourth line as of late, however, with major roster changes happening before playoffs, Reaves will have to continue to cement himself as a fourth liner that the Leafs need in the lineup.
The question becomes whether or not Ryan Reaves should be in the lineup during the playoffs. The Leafs could elect to go with a quicker and more skilled fourth line with Noah Gregor in, however, Ryan Reaves's toughness could prove useful as playoff hockey can get chippy. This will be something that Sheldon Keefe has to grapple with as the playoffs approach.
