In a decision that echoes throughout the hockey community, Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games following an illegal hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This suspension marks Reaves’ fourth in his career and is his third due to high hits, further underscoring the scrutiny surrounding his aggressive playing style.
The incident took place during the second period of a closely contested game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. Reaves, known for his physical presence on the ice, delivered a shoulder hit to Nurse, striking his head and making it the principal point of contact. As a result of this dangerous play, Nurse was unable to return to the game, leaving the Oilers with a gap in their defensive lineup.
"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," stated the Department of Player Safety. This assessment of the hit encapsulates the severity and recklessness of Reaves' action, which ultimately led to his suspension.
Impact on the Teams
Darnell Nurse has been a substantial contributor for the Oilers this season, with two goals and nine points across 18 games, and averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time per game. His absence was felt keenly during the game, which the Oilers narrowly lost 4-3 in overtime to the Maple Leafs. Without Nurse's defensive skills and on-ice leadership, the Oilers struggled against a relentless Leafs offense.
Conversely, Ryan Reaves' role with the Maple Leafs, while not as high-profile as Nurse's, brings a level of grit and toughness to the team. With an average of 7 minutes and 51 seconds of ice time per game and just a single assist in 16 appearances this season, Reaves’ absence might not impact the Leafs strategically. However, the financial repercussions are significant for the player, who will forfeit $35,156.25 in salary during his suspension.
Reactions from the Ice
The incident has reignited the debate on the necessity of physical aggression in hockey and the importance of player safety. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Oilers expressed his concerns, saying, "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’ comments emphasize the responsibility players have to protect each other within the high-speed, high-stakes environment of professional hockey. The sentiment reflects a growing awareness in the league of the long-term impacts of concussions and high hits, prompting stricter penalties for such infractions.
Looking Forward
Ryan Reaves is scheduled to return on December 4th when the Maple Leafs face the Nashville Predators. As Reaves sits out these crucial five games, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between maintaining the sport's physicality and ensuring the well-being of its players. Meanwhile, the Oilers will focus on filling the gap left by Nurse's recovery period, crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in the season.
This incident will likely continue to be a talking point as players, coaches, and officials weigh in on the balance between enforcing penalties for dangerous play and facilitating the inherently physical nature of hockey. As the NHL strives for a safer, fairer competition, it will be essential to keep emphasizing accountability and safety.