Ryan Reaves Suspended Five Games for Illegal Hit on Darnell Nurse

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games following an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. The hit, delivered during the second period of a heated matchup between the two teams on Saturday night, left Nurse bleeding and unable to continue the game.

The Incident

The play unfolded as Nurse was skating behind his own net, attempting to move the puck out of the defensive zone. Reaves, known for his physical style of play, delivered a high hit that made direct contact with Nurse’s head. The impact of the hit caused visible bleeding and forced Nurse to leave the ice for medical attention.

Officials on the ice immediately penalized Reaves with a five-minute major for an illegal check to the head, leading to his ejection from the game. The severity of the hit and its consequences prompted further review by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

NHL Ruling and Suspension

Upon reviewing the play, the league deemed Reaves’ actions reckless and avoidable. The Department of Player Safety highlighted Reaves’ responsibility to avoid making direct contact with the head, particularly in situations where a safer body-checking option was available.

As a result, Reaves was handed a five-game suspension, which he will serve without pay. The suspension is a significant penalty, reflecting the league’s commitment to reducing dangerous hits and prioritizing player safety.

Reaves’ Disciplinary History

This is not the first time Reaves has faced disciplinary action from the NHL. Throughout his career, the rugged forward has earned a reputation for playing on the edge, with multiple suspensions and fines for various incidents. Most notably, Reaves faced a two-game suspension during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs for a dangerous roughing incident involving Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves.

The league took Reaves’ history into account when determining the length of his current suspension. Repeat offenses often result in harsher penalties, and Reaves’ past incidents played a role in the decision to sideline him for five games.

Impact on Both Teams

Reaves’ absence will be quickly substituted by ‘next man up’ strategy, and there will be a longer leash for someone like Alex Steeves to make an impact. The suspension will be viewed as an opportunity to solidify Toronto’s forward depth, forcing the team to adjust its lineup.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are awaiting updates on Darnell Nurse’s condition. Nurse is a crucial part of Edmonton’s defensive core, and any extended absence could significantly impact the team’s performance in the coming games.

Final Thoughts

The suspension is a reminder of the NHL’s ongoing efforts to crack down on hits that endanger player safety. By enforcing stricter penalties for illegal checks to the head, the league aims to send a clear message: dangerous plays will not be tolerated.

While physicality remains a key part of hockey, the NHL continues to balance the sport’s intensity with the need to protect its players. The Reaves incident serves as a stark example of the consequences of crossing that line.

As Reaves serves his suspension, both the Maple Leafs and the Oilers will be looking to regroup and move forward, hoping to avoid further incidents that could jeopardize player health or team success.