In the latest of his ongoing disciplinary issues, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been served a five-game suspension following an illegal hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This sanction marks Reaves' fourth career suspension and his third for offenses related to high hits, raising further questions about his aggressive playing style.
The incident unfolded during the second period of a tightly contested game between the Maple Leafs and the Oilers. Reaves delivered a high-impact shoulder hit that targeted Nurse’s head, the principal point of contact. This blow rendered Nurse unable to return to the ice for the remainder of the contest, prompting concerns over player safety and the ongoing repercussions of high hits in professional hockey.
The Department of Player Safety, in its announcement of Reaves' suspension, emphasized the manner and execution of the hit. "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 at his head, making it the main point of contact on his body where such head contact was avoidable," the statement read. This highlights the deliberate nature of the hit and underscores the NHL's continued commitment to regulating such offenses.
Darnell Nurse, a crucial member of Edmonton's blue line, has been an essential contributor in the Oilers' campaign, registering two goals and totaling nine points across 18 games. Averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time per game, Nurse’s absence due to this incident is undoubtedly a significant blow to the Oilers. The team struggled to regain its footing following his premature exit, ultimately losing the game 4-3 in overtime to the Maple Leafs.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a fellow Oiler, voiced his concerns after the game, emphasizing the dangers posed by such unsanctioned aggression on the ice. "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," Nugent-Hopkins remarked. His sentiment encapsulates the frustration and fear prevalent among players facing high-risk hits.
During his suspension, Reaves will forfeit $35,156.25 in salary, a significant deduction that highlights the financial penalties accompanying on-ice misconduct. Prior to his suspension, Reaves had been averaging 7 minutes and 51 seconds of play per game with a single assist over 16 appearances, reflecting a role limited in its contributions.
Reaves is set to rejoin the Maple Leafs lineup on December 4th against the Nashville Predators, pending any further disciplinary actions or appeals. As the hockey community absorbs the ramifications of his suspension, discussions about player safety and head contact continue to echo throughout the league. This incident serves as a potent reminder of the balancing act between aggression and safety in professional hockey, a game celebrated for its speed and physicality yet continuously scrutinized for player welfare.