In a notable and contentious decision, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been issued a five-game suspension for an illegal hit that targeted the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This ruling marks Reaves' fourth career suspension, with three stemming from high hits—an aspect of his playing style that has attracted considerable scrutiny over the years.
The incident, which has ignited discussions on player safety and the dangerous precedent of high hits in hockey, took place during the second period of a recent clash between the Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. It was here that Reaves delivered a shoulder check to Nurse, which connected primarily with the latter's head. Consequently, the hit forced Nurse off the ice for the remainder of the match. Prior to his departure, Nurse had been a pivotal player for the Oilers, having contributed two goals and nine points across 18 games and averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time per contest.
The aftermath of the hit unfolded with the Maple Leafs eventually securing a 4-3 overtime victory. Nevertheless, the result was overshadowed by the enduring implications of Reaves' hit. Despite Reaves averaging just under eight minutes of playtime per game and having recorded a single assist over 16 appearances this season, his on-ice decisions continue to have significant impacts, both for his team and his own career trajectory.
Reaves' actions will cost him $35,156.25 in lost salary due to the suspension. His anticipated return is set for December 4th in a matchup against Nashville, but the discourse surrounding his hit is unlikely to dissipate quickly.
A Closer Look at the Hit
The Department of Player Safety issued a statement elaborating on the grounds of Reaves' suspension, narrating the sequence and the perceived recklessness of the play. "Reaves closes in on Nurse and delivers a high, hard check that cuts across the front of Nurse's body, missing his core and picking it his head, making it the main point of contact on his body where such head contact was avoidable."
This assessment from the league mirrors the sentiments of many who advocate for stricter penalties on high and dangerous hits, aiming to curtail the risk of head injuries—arguably the most perilous consequence for NHL players.
Perspectives from the Ice
Voices from the player community also resonated in the wake of the incident. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a fellow player from Edmonton, echoed the apprehensions regarding the nature of Reaves' play. "It's a dangerous play. [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," Nugent-Hopkins reflected sombrely, highlighting the responsibility players have to each other on the ice—especially in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.
The Impact of Repeated Suspensions
Ryan Reaves' recurring suspensions, and particularly those involving hits to the head, underline a recurring theme in his career—an aggressiveness that, while part of his brand as a physical player, often skirts the boundary of accepted play. This latest incident not only diminishes his presence on the ice for the Maple Leafs but also chips away at his reputation among peers and fans in a league increasingly concerned with head safety.
Meanwhile, the Oilers must grapple with the absence of Nurse during his recovery. Given Nurse's significant contributions—both offensively with goals and points, and defensively through reliable ice time—the team faces immediate challenges in finding suitable replacements to fill pivotal gaps during his absence.
The ongoing conversation surrounding head injuries and the penalties—or lack thereof—certainly will persist as the NHL aims to balance competitive play with player safety. How Ryan Reaves adjusts his playing style moving forward may become a point of focus and could serve as a barometer for the league’s handling of similar incidents in the future.