Former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer calls out Ryan Reaves for recent soft play
Ryan Reaves is getting called out by a former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer who believes the big man is playing soft and backing down from challenges
A guy like Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who mostly makes his money with his fists, doesn't get called out often. However, a former Maple Leafs enforcer is taking him to task saying his recent play is soft.
Jay Rosehill played in several games with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2009 to 2012. He believes Reaves backed down from a recent challenge by the New York Rangers Matt Rempe, adding a similar situation happened in the first game of the season against the Montreal Canadiens with Arber Xhekaj. Everyone seemed to think a massive fight between Ryan Reaves and Matt Rempe was coming when the Toronto Maple Leafs played the New York Rangers, but it never materialized.
I know it was at the end of his shift but when that happened to me and someone challenged me and like back up and shake your gloves almost, I'm fine if you're at the end of your shift, like nice try, and then make sure next shift you find that guy.
Just doesn't seem to be happening and in both games where you could've used one, right? You know when you're down and looking for some life, that's a good way to do it and he doesn't seem to be too interested so far this year, which makes me kinda scratch my head but not coming down on Reavo or anything yet, just curious as to why not in those games where it could've benefited your team."
Ryan Reaves shared his thoughts on the situation involving Arber Xhekaj and teammate Cedric Pare, who got jumped after a collision with Patrik Laine. Reaves called it unfortunate, but never once said retribution would be coming. Reaves was a healthy scratch last night in Toronto's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Like it or not, the number of NHL players who are considered enforcers has dropped rapidly over the past few years, to the point where you could probably count the ones left in the league on one hand. That said, those who are aware of how they earn their paycheque, and it's interesting to see Ryan Reaves supposedly back away from the thing that got him to the NHL.
