Ryan Reaves bringing professionalism and energy to Marlies

Being demoted from the NHL to the minors can be a tough pill to swallow for some. For someone who has played nearly 1,000 games in the league, it can feel like a final board of call.

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward Ryan Reaves on waivers right before the trade deadline in an attempt to create cap space to make some moves. It worked out, as the team acquired forward Scott Laughton and defenceman Brandon Carlo to beef up the roster heading into the playoffs.

Reaves ended up clearing waivers on March 7 and was promptly assigned to the Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. It was the first time in over a decade that the Winnipeg native was heading to the minors.

However, the 38-year-old has been taking everything in stride.

When speaking to the media on Wednesday, head coach John Gruden admitted that Reaves has been in good spirits since joining the Marlies earlier in the week.

“We’ve had him in for two days and it’s been great because he brings a certain professionalism and energy,” Gruden said. “It helps with those younger guys too. He’s been really good.”

Having a character like Reaves in the locker room could be positive on multiple fronts for the Marlies. His experience in the big leagues allows him the ability to advise the Leafs’ prospects about the grind of an NHL season, while also potentially having more of an opportunity to play himself.

Gruden stated that Reaves, who only played two games with the Leafs after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, has been working with the development staff in order to get back into game shape.

“I know he’s been working on his game, skating with development staff. He’s staying ready.”

The veteran coach hasn’t confirmed when Reaves will find his name in the Marlies lineup but says the former Vegas Golden Knight is doing his part to stay ready.

“He’s just going to stay ready. He’s going to work with the development staff and at the end of the day. He’s just going to continue to make sure he’s ready to play regardless.”

Reaves’ last game with the Leafs came on March 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Marlies (32-20-9) are trying to secure a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, currently sitting third in the AHL’s North Division with 11 games remaining.

Reaves hasn’t played a game in the minors since the 2012-13 NHL lockout. During that time, he played 13 games with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears. His last tenure in the American League came in 2010-11 with the St. Louis Blues’ primary affiliate at the time, the Peoria Rivermen.

Reaves’ role with the Leafs over his two seasons with the team has been minimal. After appearing in just 49 games last season, both due to injury and being a healthy scratch, he’s dressed in 35 games so far this season, posting a measly two assists while averaging 7:48 of ice time–the lowest of his career since he was a member of the Blues.

In his 84 games with the Leafs, Reaves has notched four goals and eight points. He still has one more season on his three-year contract that he signed with the team in July 2023. The deal has an AAV of $1.35 million.