Jesse Courville-Lynch, an analyst with The Hockey Writers, suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs might consider trading fan-favorite forward Ryan Reaves.
Reaves signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract with the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2023, to bring size and toughness to the team. Known as one of the NHL’s top enforcers, he played a vital role in his first season with Toronto by providing energy when needed.
However, Courville-Lynch thinks Reaves might become a trade candidate after just one year with the team.
“While Reaves adds physicality to the lineup, it’s likely he joined the Maple Leafs to contribute to their Stanley Cup ambitions. With Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann having breakout seasons last year, Reaves slipped down the depth chart. Players like Nick Abruzzese, Alex Steeves, and Nick Robertson will all vie for his spot during training camp. Given the current trends, I expect Reaves to be the odd man out, and the team’s management may explore trade options,” Courville-Lynch explained.
Reaves saw limited playoff action, being a healthy scratch for two games and playing over 10 minutes in only one of the five games he participated in. Last season, he recorded four goals and two assists, totaling six points in 49 games with the Maple Leafs.
Potential Teams Interested in Reaves
With two years left on his contract and a salary of just over $1 million annually, moving Reaves should not be difficult.
If the Maple Leafs decide to trade him, Courville-Lynch believes the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Calgary Flames could be interested.
“There are teams with the financial means to acquire Reaves and potentially give him a larger role. The San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Calgary Flames come to mind as teams that could use Reaves, but there have been no trade rumors so far. Ultimately, Reaves must perform well in training camp to secure his spot, or he might face another challenging season,” Courville-Lynch wrote.
Reaves is popular among fans and a positive presence in the locker room, making him an appealing addition for several NHL teams if Toronto considers a trade.
Maple Leafs Player Praises Reaves
Since joining the NHL in the 2010-11 season, Reaves has been a favorite among fans and teammates for his willingness to stand up for them.
Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has praised Reaves throughout the season.
“He’s just an animal, honestly, he’s a beast,” Matthews told The Hockey News about Reaves. “In moments like those, you truly see his importance to the team, both on and off the ice. He’s been playing outstanding hockey for us lately and is hitting peak performance at the right time. It’s been great to watch.”
Despite his popularity with teammates and fans, Reaves could still be on the trading block.
Cole Shelton covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has reported on professional and college sports since 2016, with bylines in BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network, and more.
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