Former NHL Enforcer Says Rempe Claims Reaves Kept Dodging His Challenges to Drop the Gloves

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Tom Banks
October 23, 2024 (7:50 PM)

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Ryan Reaves was once the biggest, baddest and toughest player in the NHL, but this season he's not been that, and now he's been called out for it.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been blown away in two of their last three games, and while they still sit at 4-3-0 on the season, there have been plenty of questions about their play. One question that has now been asked is of veteran Ryan Reaves, who was once considered the NHL's top enforcer, but this season he has been playing soft, and while Reaves has been scratched for several games, when he has been on the ice, his role is undefined, and without fighting, he appears almost pointless.

When the team met the New York Rangers recently, Matt Rempe reportedly asked him to fight several times, and while a younger Reaves would have jumped at the opportunity, much like when the team played Montreal and Arber Xhekaj earlier in the season, he declined.

«I've had some info that Rempe was absolutely coming after Reavo and coming to get that thing underway. I thought it was going to happen for sure and I found out afterwards that Rempe said �I've asked him several times and he acted like I didn't exist and wouldn't even make eye contact', and you saw that with Wi-Fi as well, game one.

«I know it was at the end of his shift but when that happened to me and someone challenged me and like back up and shake your gloves almost, I'm fine if you're at the end of your shift, like nice try, and then make sure next shift you find that guy.

That comes from former Maple Leaf Jay Rosehill, who called Reaves out already this season, but again, he's going after the so called enforcer of the Maple Leafs.

While fighting for fightings sake doesn't make sense, several times this year Reaves has had the opportunity to make an impact, and according to Rosehill, he just won't rise to the moment.

«Just doesn't seem to be happening and in both games where you could've used one, right? You know when you're down and looking for some life, that's a good way to do it and he doesn't seem to be too interested so far this year, which makes me kinda scratch my head but not coming down on Reavo or anything yet, just curious as to why not in those games where it could've benefited your team.»

It's unclear what's going on with Reaves this season, as his physical style of play could certainly benefit the Maple Leafs and help them turn momentum, as we've seen as late as last season, but he just refuses, and now plenty of people are taking note.