As the 2024-25 NHL season progresses, rumors are beginning to swirl about the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially looking to trade forward Ryan Reaves. The veteran enforcer has played just four games this season, logging a team-low average of 8:15 of ice time. With sidelined players like Calle Jarnkrok and Connor Dewar set to return soon, roster changes will likely follow to make cap space and shuffle the lineup.
Could the Maple Leafs Trade Ryan Reaves This Season?
At 37 years old, Reaves’ role as an agitating forward may no longer be as effective as it once was, and his limited ice time is a reflection of that. Despite his extensive NHL experience, having played 882 career games with 62 goals, 72 assists, and a whopping 1,076 penalty minutes, Reaves’ future in Toronto seems uncertain. His $1.35 million cap hit through next season is reasonable, but teams may be hesitant to take on a player in the latter stages of his career.
My Take: Moving Ryan Reaves will be no easy task. Although his cap hit is manageable for most teams, finding a suitor willing to acquire a player primarily known for his physical presence rather than offensive production could be challenging. Reaves’ value lies in his ability to bring toughness and protection to teammates, but that role is becoming less prominent in today’s faster, more skilled NHL.
While Reaves remains a beloved character in the dressing room, the Maple Leafs may explore other roster options once they regain some of their injured players. Whether they can find a trade partner for the veteran forward is yet to be seen, but with limited contributions on the ice, his future in Toronto remains a topic of growing speculation.
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