In what has become a familiar scenario in professional hockey, Ryan Reaves, currently a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has received a five-game suspension from the NHL for a dangerous hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This latest incident marks Reaves' fourth career suspension, with three resulting from high hits, underscoring a persistent issue that continues to haunt the veteran player.
The contentious play unfolded during the second period of a tightly contested match between the Maple Leafs and the Oilers, a game that ultimately went to overtime with the Leafs clinching a 4-3 victory. Reaves, well-known for his physical style of play, delivered a powerful shoulder hit to Nurse. According to the NHL's Department of Player Safety, Reaves' hit "missed [Nurse's] core and picked it his head, making it the principal point of contact." Such head contact was deemed avoidable, leading to the disciplinary action.
Nurse’s absence after the hit left a noticeable gap in the Oilers’ defensive lineup. Until that moment, Nurse had been a stalwart on the ice for Edmonton, contributing two goals and amassing nine points over 18 games while maintaining an average of nearly 21 minutes of ice time per game. His unexpected departure posed a significant challenge for the Oilers, both in the immediate game context and potentially in the forthcoming fixtures, depending on his recovery.
In contrast, Reaves, who plays an average of 7 minutes and 51 seconds per game, bringing a single assist to his credit over 16 appearances, finds himself sidelined not just by the suspension but also by the financial penalty that accompanies it. The suspension will see him forfeit $35,156.25 in salary, a substantial sum reflective of the gravity with which the league views dangerous plays targeting the head.
For the Maple Leafs, Reaves’ aggressive playstyle can be both an asset and a liability. While his physical presence on the ice can intimidate opponents and galvanize his team, his tendency towards dangerous plays raises concerns about discipline and safety. As evidenced by this latest incident, Reaves must recalibrate his approach to align with league standards and safeguard the well-being of his peers.
From the Oilers’ perspective, the hit on Nurse sparked visible frustration. Teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins voiced the sentiment shared by many on the team and in the broader hockey world, characterizing the hit as "a dangerous play." He stressed the importance of awareness and decision-making in such high-speed, high-stakes situations, stating, "[Reaves] has got to know that Nursey doesn't see him coming and choose the right path there, and he doesn't. It's tough to see one of your teammates on the ice like that."
As Reaves sits out his suspension, the Maple Leafs will adjust to his absence until his expected return on December 4th against Nashville. This period offers Reaves an opportunity for reflection, aiming to refine his approach and avoid further infractions. Meanwhile, the narrative surrounding player safety in the NHL continues to evolve, with each incident contributing to ongoing discussions about how to maintain the sport's competitive nature while prioritizing the health and safety of its players.
Moving forward, both teams will have to navigate the challenges posed by this incident. For the Oilers, integrating Nurse back into the lineup after his recovery will be critical, while the Maple Leafs will need to manage without Reaves as they continue their season. Each team, and the league as a whole, will have to balance the competitive drive intrinsic to hockey with a commitment to safer play practices, ensuring the sport’s integrity and sustainability.