Ryan Reaves Switches Gear Following Fight with Deslauriers

Ryan Reaves is one of the toughest players in all of the NHL, and he put that on display during his fight against Nicolas Deslauriers on Tuesday night. The two heavyweights squared off at center ice and exchanged some huge blows. Unfortunately for Ryan Reaves, he took Deslauriers finger in the eye and was forced to leave the game with an injury.

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.

He didn't hold back in sharing his feelings about the visor in his comments to the media, saying that it was horrible.

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.

As seen on Blade of Steel - "Ryan Reaves makes major equipment change after fight with Deslauriers"