Jan 22, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Ryan Reaves (75) fights with Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Rangers, Maple Leafs Enforcers Set for Face-Off

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs require little to ratchet up the intensity of their matchups. Two original six NHL teams going at it is always entertaining hockey. Add in the fact that both teams are jockeying for their playoff positions, and their Friday night showdown is set for fireworks.

The head coaches of both the Rangers and Maple Leafs expect a physical and tension-filled game. Drawing into the Rangers lineup is enforcer Matt Rempe, while the Leafs are dressing veteran scrapper Ryan Reaves. The moves set the stage for a heavyweight tilt between the two combatants.

Rempe's appearance isn't unusual for the Rangers this season. He's played in 23 NHL games this year but has spent most of the campaign traveling back and forth from their AHL affiliate in Hartford. He has four points and 41 penalty minutes with the Rangers.

The Leafs' decision to play Reaves is a bit more targeted. The veteran hasn't played in nearly a month, last suiting up during a February 4th contest against the Calgary Flames. With Rempe set to go, HC Craig Berube felt it was a fitting time for him to play. He told Peter Baugh of The Athletic that Rempe's presence was explicitly why Reaves is playing.

"I think Rempe over there," he said. "He's an effective player in my opinion."

Craig Berube on why he’s inserting Ryan Reaves into the lineup: “I think Rempe over there. He’s an effective player in my opinion.”

He added he’s hoping Reaves can deter some of Rempe’s physicality.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) February 28, 2025

Reading between the lines a bit, it's clear that Berube and the Leafs expect the Rangers to play a physical game. That's where Reaves comes in. It also all but guarantees that Reaves and Rempe will go toe-to-toe.

The pair have fought once previously at the NHL level. With another year of experience under their belts, they are still the toughest customers in the league. If the Rangers and Leafs send their enforcers out at the same time, we should see round 2 of the heavyweight title bout.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: