Ryan Reaves' Fate in Toronto May Have Just Been Sealed Following Maple Leafs Lineup Decision
Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves has been completely phased out of the team's lineup and tonight's game against the Boston Bruins does not bode well for his NHL future.
Ryan Reaves has only played in 33 games this season and in those games, he has managed just one fight and a total of two assists.
Overall, he is not playing up to his role, and at the age of 36, there have been numerous talks about his career being over.
Toronto Maple Leafs lineup excludes Ryan Reaves
The NHL trade deadline is on the horizon and with Alex Steeves entering the lineup, it is clear that there is no place for Reaves right now.
This is especially true in light of the news that forward Calle Jarnkrok is currently on the verge of returning to the lineup. All of these lineup moves point to the idea that Reaves won't see the ice again this year.
It has led to rumors that the Leafs may trade or waive him very soon. That said, the Leafs play the Boston Bruins tonight and if there was ever game where Reaves' grit would be needed, it would be tonight.
However, according to David Alter of The Hockey News, the lineup tonight is identical to the lineup from this weekend.
Holmberg - Tavares - Nylander
McMann - Domi - Robertson
Lorentz - Kampf - Steeves
McCabe - Tanev
Rielly - OEL
Benoit - Timmins
Stolarz starts
Woll
Once again, Reaves has been left behind and he is a healthy scratch who will not be getting into the lineup.
Ultimately, his role is being diminished, especially with the 4 Nations Face-Off showing us that even the skilled guys want to drop the mitts.
It is a sad reality, but guys like Reaves just simply aren't useful for this Maple Leafs team right now.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 25 | 318 ANSWERS Ryan Reaves' Fate in Toronto May Have Just Been Sealed Following Maple Leafs Lineup Decision Do you believe Ryan Reaves is done with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 246 | 77.4 % |
| NO | 72 | 22.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
