Maple Leafs’ Ryan Reaves Suspended 5 Games for Illegal Hit on Oilers’ Darnell Nurse

Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been suspended for five games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for delivering an illegal hit to the head of Darnell Nurse, a defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers, in a game on Saturday.

The DOPS detailed three key reasons for issuing the maximum five-game suspension in a brief video explaining their decision. They highlighted that the head was the main point of contact and explained how Reaves’ behavior broke league regulations.

The DOPS explained the decision in a brief video, outlining three reasons for the maximum five-game suspension in a regular hearing. They stressed that the primary point of contact was the head and explained how Reaves’ behavior breached league regulations.

Initially, the head serves as the primary point of contact, with Reaves’ shoulder forcefully hitting Nurse’s head, whereby the head bears most of the impact. Furthermore, the head collision in this check could have been prevented. Reaves miscalculates his strategy, opting for an approach that goes in front of Nurse, avoiding his body and hitting his head instead.

Although Nurse was playing the puck, he did not significantly alter his head or body position before contact, which would have made the head the primary point of impact.

What was the main reason for Ryan Reaves’s Expected Suspension?

Main reason for the suspension lasting so long was Nurse getting injured from the impact. Finally, DOPS pointed out Reaves’ track record of discipline, mentioning that he has faced three suspensions and two fines in previous incidents.

During these events, Reaves received a suspension for hitting Matt Tennyson in 2017, an illegal hit to the head of Filip Hronek in 2021, and was fined two times for risky plays in previous years. Finally, DOPS pointed out Reaves’ disciplinary record, mentioning that he has received three suspensions and two fines previously.

Reaves has been disciplined for various incidents, including a suspension for boarding Matt Tennyson in 2017, an illegal hit to the head of Filip Hronek in 2021, and fines for dangerous plays in earlier seasons. Due to the suspension being in the category of four games or higher, Reaves can choose to challenge the ruling. If he decides, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will hear the appeal.

In the absence of any appeal, Reaves will not be able to come back until December 4, when the Maple Leafs play against the Nashville Predators at Scotiabank Arena. As per the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Reaves will lose $35,156.25 due to his average yearly income. The funds are directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Image Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images