With a reduced role prior to the trade deadline under head coach Craig Berube, veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves’ tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs may be coming to an end.
In order to open up salary cap room for possible signings, analyst James Mirtle of The Athletic is advising the Leafs to dismiss the veteran enforcer before the NHL deadline on Friday.
Although he sees some obstacles in letting go of Reaves, Mirtle noted that the 38-year-old has had difficulty establishing a steady position in Toronto’s lineup. “Waive Ryan Reaves: “Friday’s game in New York was Reaves’ first in weeks, and he recently turned 38,” Mirtle noted. “He’s become a popular figure in the dressing room, however, and Treliving did give him a three-year deal in free agency two years ago.”Additionally, coach Craig Berube appreciates Reaves’ work and had a similar position in his later career.”
Reaves has played in just 35 games this season, averaging 7:48 minutes of ice time per game, earning a minus-2 plus/minus record, and registering no goals or assists going into Tuesday’s schedule. Reaves’ low worth for the Leafs was demonstrated by the fact that his final game before being added back into the lineup on February 28 against the Rangers was almost a month earlier, on February 4. According to Mirtle, coach Berube seemed to value Reaves’ presence in the locker room, but his $1.35 million cap number could cause problems before the trade deadline and affect any trades.
“If they need to free up some cap space painlessly, however, they could waive Reaves’ $1.35 million contract and get $1.15 million in relief by demoting him to the minors,” Mirtle stated. “Then recall him whenever injuries hit or once the cap lifts to start the playoffs.” In addition, Mirtle noted that if he is cut, Toronto might “clear the whole (cap hit) if another team claims him” off waivers.
Reaves, who was originally brought in as an enforcer to man the fourth-line right wing, signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract with Toronto in 2023. Despite this, he has only fought once this season and has barely scored any points.