Ryan Reaves suspension

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ryan Reaves has been suspended for his hit on Darnell Nurse
  • The NHL has dropped the hammer, sending a clear message about player safety
  • Read below for details of the Rayn Reaves suspension, plus video of the hit

The NHL has dropped the hammer on Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves, handing him a five-game suspension without pay for a brutal hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the second period when Reaves caught Nurse with a crushing blow to the head as the Oilers blueliner was attempting to move the puck from behind his net.

The impact left Nurse with a nasty cut above his eye and significant swelling, forcing him to exit the game.

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Given Reaves’ history of suspensions, the punishment comes as no surprise. The 35-year-old enforcer, who has been suspended three times previously. He’ll also forfeit over $35,000 in salary, which will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Reaves did show class following the incident, reportedly visiting the Oilers’ locker room to offer a sincere apology to Nurse. While some teammates maintained the hit wasn’t malicious, the NHL’s ruling sends a strong message about player safety.

The Maple Leafs might feel the absence of Reaves’ physical presence over the next five games, as they often rely on him to energize the team. However, with only three games scheduled in the next ten days, the impact of his suspension will be slightly mitigated.

The hockey community wasted no time condemning the hit, with Oilers’ forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins labeling it a “dangerous play.” According to the social media reaction, five games weren’t quite enough, given the severity of the hit.

Reaves will be eligible to return on December 4 when the Buds face off against the Predators. In the meantime, Toronto will need to find alternative ways to maintain its physical edge without their imposing enforcer.

The NHL is clearly continuing its crackdown on dangerous hits. Players like Reaves, who remains a visorless NHL player, will need to adapt their game to avoid costly suspensions and protect their fellow competitors.