During the second period against the Oilers, Reaves delivered a high hit to Nurse as he rounded the net, resulting in Nurse bleeding and leaving the game. Reaves received a five-minute major penalty and was ejected. A suspension seemed highly likely, with only its duration in question. It’s difficult to justify the hit clearly, as Reaves targeted Nurse high and likely caused a concussion.
He had ample time to consider his actions before delivering a hit that exemplifies the east-west contact the league is trying to eliminate. In contrast, I recall Jason Spezza, a first-time offender, receiving a six-game suspension for a hit on Neal Pionk, where the latter hit the ice just before contact, making the hit appear worse than it actually was. Reaves, on the other hand, made a clear mistake with his contact. A comparable incident occurred with Tanner Jeannot’s hit on Brock Boeser, which I believe was worse, yet Jeannot only faced a three-game suspension from the Department of Player Safety (DoPS). The disciplinary system seems inconsistent and attempting to understand it feels futile. If Matthews is unable to play in the next game, the Leafs will find themselves down four potential regulars, including Max Pacioretty and Calle Jarnkrok. Alex Steeves, who was a healthy scratch last game, is likely to get another chance, but the team may also call up another forward.
Who might that be? It would seem premature to bring up Fraser Minten or Nikita Grebenkin, who have just begun their pro careers in North America. Cedric Pare, signed to an NHL contract over the summer, is currently injured and listed as week-to-week with a lower body issue. Alex Nylander would need a contract to be signed first. Aside from those four, the other options are limited. Marlies captain Logan Shaw is off to a strong start and is a right-handed winger with size, but he is currently on an AHL contract (the same goes for Joseph Blandisi, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury). Nick Abruzzese, who has previously played in the NHL and is signed to an NHL contract, is having a slow season, tallying only four points in 12 games and sporting a minus-eight plus/minus rating. None of these players may necessarily make the lineup, as the Leafs could opt to dress Steeves and call up another Marlies player as an emergency option.
The schedule also allows for some flexibility, as the Leafs play only on Wednesday and then Sunday, giving time for Matthews and possibly Max Domi to return to health. This situation presents a significant opportunity for the Leafs to build a functional fourth line in Reaves’ absence. The current fourth line has not been productive and lacks a defined role, yet Reaves’ position in the lineup had seemed secure. This change could lead to new possibilities and adaptations behind the bench.
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