Maple Leafs’ Ryan Reaves Suspended for Five Games, Fined for Illegal Check to Oilers’ Nurse’s Head
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been handed a five-game suspension and a fine following an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse during a recent game. The National Hockey League (NHL) announced the punishment after reviewing the hit, which occurred in the second period of the Leafs’ 5-3 victory over the Oilers last week.
The incident took place at 12:45 of the middle frame when Reaves, known for his physical style of play, delivered a shoulder check to Nurse along the boards. However, the contact was deemed to be high, with Reaves making contact to Nurse’s head, which is a violation of NHL safety protocols. Nurse, who was left shaken by the blow, did not return to the game but was later confirmed to have escaped serious injury.
The league’s Department of Player Safety (DOPS) reviewed the play and concluded that Reaves had delivered an avoidable hit to the head, with insufficient effort to target the body. The DOPS cited that while Reaves is a player with a reputation for aggressive physicality, the hit was deemed reckless and dangerous. The league also noted that Nurse had no chance to defend himself against the blow, as he was bracing for a different angle of contact.
In addition to the suspension, Reaves was also fined an undisclosed amount, which will be determined based on his average annual salary. The suspension, which will cost Reaves a total of five games, comes as a significant blow to the Leafs, as the veteran enforcer has been a key presence on the team’s fourth line. Reaves has a long history of physical play and has served as both an agitator and protector for his teammates.
For the Oilers, Nurse’s absence creates an additional challenge as the team looks to stay competitive in the tight Pacific Division. Nurse, an important top-four defenseman, has been integral to the Oilers’ defensive unit, and his potential long-term absence would place added pressure on the team’s blue line.
Reaves, who has been with the Leafs since 2023, expressed regret following the hit, stating that he never intended to injure Nurse but acknowledged that the contact was high. He vowed to continue playing with the physical edge that has defined his career while striving to stay within the bounds of the league’s safety standards.
The suspension serves as a reminder of the NHL’s commitment to player safety, especially when it comes to hits to the head, which can have lasting consequences for players’ health and careers. Reaves will be eligible to return to action on the sixth game of his suspension.
