Yahoo Sports 'There's Not A Lot Of Takers': Maple Leafs' Head Coach Craig Berube Explains Why Ryan Reaves Hasn't Been Involved In A Fight This Season
When Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has elected to insert Ryan Reaves into his lineup, the reason is usually due to his physical presence.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound forward hasn't been shy to throw his weight around. But this season has been different for Reaves. The Winnipeg native has yet to receive a single fighting major this season.
Berube isn't surprised at that stat.
"I mean, there's not many fights anywhere, right? Berube said on Monday. "This guy's been a heavyweight in this league for quite some time. There's not a lot of takers. But I think he's played good hockey for us.
The Maple Leafs signed the 37-year-old to a three-year deal worth $4.05 million in the summer of 2023. In addition to his physical presence, Reaves' personality was also seen as needed by the Leafs GM Brad Treliving to get the locker room to open up a little bit.
Related: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Explains Why he Signed Ryan Reaves to Three-Year Contract
Many expected Reaves to get engaged into a fight with the Philadelphia Flyers last week after he was inserted into the rematch after Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway and Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe were engaged in a fight just two days prior. McCabe hit his head on the ice in the aftermath of the fight and has since been out of the lineup with an upper-body injury.
Fighting is down from last year after there was a spike in the first half of last season. In 2023-24, Reaves had seven fighting majors with several heavyweights including Tanner Jeannot (now with the Los Angeles Kings) and New York Rangers heavyweight Matt Rempe.
Reaves did have one fight this fall, but it occurred in the pre-season against Ottawa Senators prospect Donovan Sebrango.
"He is what he is, right? He doesn't try to complicate it. He's physical. I think he's been a physical player every game for us. And I love his energy and I love him in the locker room," Berube added of Reaves.
Reaves will re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars after sitting out of Toronto's 3-0 loss against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday as a healthy scratch.
In 904 NHL games, Reaves has 1095 penalty minutes. In 27 games this season, Reaves has two assists and 23 penalty minutes while averaging 7:59 of ice time.
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