Ryan Reaves Faces NHL Hearing After Hit on Darnell Nurse
(Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ryan Reaves will have a hearing Sunday for his hit on Darnell Nurse
  • Reaves is facing a multi-game suspension, but it’s not an in-person hearing
  • Read below for more details about Reaves’ hearing with the NHL DOPS

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves will face the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Sunday following a dangerous hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.

The incident happened during Saturday night’s game between the Leafs and Oilers. Reaves caught Nurse with a shoulder to the head as the Oilers defender moved behind his net. The hit left Nurse bleeding and unable to return to the game.

Officials wasted no time punishing Reaves on the ice. The Leafs’ tough guy received a five-minute major penalty and was thrown out of the game with a match penalty. The ejection came after Reaves exchanged words with Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

Reaves’ teammates will likely have to play without him for the next few games. Since the hearing is not in-person, any suspension handed down will be five games or less. The 37-year-old forward’s history of suspensions could impact the final decision, as he’s been suspended three times in his NHL career.

The Oilers weren’t happy with the hit after the game. Center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins called it a “dangerous play,” while teammate Adam Henrique stressed that players need to be more careful when opponents are in vulnerable positions.

Reports emerged that Reaves showed remorse for his actions. The veteran forward reportedly went to the Oilers’ locker room during the third period to apologize to Nurse face-to-face. This gesture came after Nurse was seen walking around and joking with team staff, suggesting the injury might not be as serious as initially feared.

The hit overshadowed what turned out to be an awesome game, with the Leafs eventually winning 4-3 in overtime. Reaves, who has recorded one assist and 23 penalty minutes in 16 games this season, will now await his fate from the league.

The Department of Player Safety will review several factors before making their decision, including:

  • The direct contact to Nurse’s head
  • The force of the impact
  • Nurse’s vulnerable position at the time
  • Reaves’ previous suspension history

A final decision on Reaves’ suspension length is expected shortly after Sunday’s hearing.

The Oilers, meanwhile, will hope for a quick recovery from Nurse, who serves as a key piece of their defensive core.