In a riveting and heated matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, it was a controversial play that stole the spotlight rather than the scoreline. Maple Leafs' forward Ryan Reaves received a five-game suspension for a punishing hit delivered to Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, significantly impacting the outcome and directing a spotlight on player safety in the NHL.
The play in question unfolded during the second period, when Reaves delivered a shoulder check to Nurse. The hit, however, was not a textbook check in terms of safety and regulation. The Department of Player Safety noted, "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 declaration left little room for interpretation regarding the nature of the play.
For Reaves, this suspension marks his fourth career sit-down, with three directly related to high hits — a record that raises questions about recidivism and adherence to the expected standards of play. The hit left Nurse on the ice, unable to return to action, and it significantly influenced the Oilers’ defensive lineup for the remainder of the contest. Nurse, a cornerstone of the Oilers’ defense, has been a workhorse throughout the season, offering two goals and nine points across 18 games while logging nearly 21 minutes of ice time per match.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a teammate of Nurse’s, voiced the sentiments of many in the Edmonton camp: "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." Such emotional responses emphasize the concern over player safety and the need for stringent measures against dangerous play.
Notwithstanding the emotional and physical toll, the Oilers pushed through the remainder of the game but ultimately succumbed to the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. The absence of Nurse was heavily felt on both ends of the ice. The Oilers’ situation reflects the broader concerns around the league about how single plays can dramatically shift the momentum and results of hard-fought contests.
The financial repercussion for Reaves during this suspension is a forfeiture of $35,156.25 in salary. Despite averaging just under 8 minutes of play each game this season, with only one assist over 16 appearances, the impact of Reaves' playing style becomes a focal debate point in discussions around aggressive play and penalties.
Reaves' absence is projected to last until his potential return on December 4th against the Nashville Predators. This provides a short window for the Maple Leafs to adjust their strategy without his presence on the roster, while also offering Reaves time for reflection on his approach to the game.
This incident serves as yet another pivotal moment highlighting the NHL's ongoing struggle with balancing physical play — a defining characteristic of the sport — and ensuring the safety and health of its players. With Reaves' history of suspensions related to high hits, this is an episode that not only impacts two teams but also continues to contribute to the broader conversation on player safety that resonates throughout professional hockey.