Back from suspension, Leafs’ Reaves vows to legally ‘keep burying guys’
A notable veteran is making it known that he will not lighten up his game despite recent events.
When speaking to the media on Tuesday, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves addressed recent comments made about him by Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Reaves is coming off his five-game suspension for an illegal check to the head on Nurse in the Maple Leafs’ 4-3 overtime win over the Oilers on Nov. 16. A few days later, Nurse told reporters that Reaves is the kind of player that is out to hurt people.
“There are certain guys in the league that each shift they go out there, they’re trying to inflict pain,” Nurse said on Nov. 21. “I think it’s pretty obvious what was going on there.”
Reaves responded to those remarks, partially agreeing with Nurse.
“The only truth that he spoke was, I go out there to inflict pain,” Reaves said on Tuesday. “That’s a fact, and that’s not going to stop. But I’m going to continue to do it legally. I’m going to keep playing hard, if not harder, now — and keep burying guys.”
The hit knocked Nurse out of the lineup for the next three games, returning to game action in Edmonton’s 6-2 win over the New York Rangers on Nov. 23.
It was the fourth time in Reaves’ 15-year career that he was suspended. During the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, Reaves was banned for two games for roughing then-Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves. He was also handed a one-game suspension in the 2020 postseason for an illegal hit to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Tyler Motte. In Feb. 2016, during his time with the St. Louis Blues, Reaves was suspended for three games for boarding Matt Tennyson of the San Jose Sharks.
In 16 games with the Leafs this season, Reaves has just one assist. Nurse has posted three goals and seven assists for 10 points with the Oilers through 21 appearances.
Reaves will be eligible to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Nashville Predators. The Leafs (15-7-2) sit first in the Atlantic Division.
The Oilers (13-9-2) are tied for fourth in the Pacific Division with the Calgary Flames. Edmonton is scheduled to face the division-leading Golden Knights on Tuesday night.