Ryan Reaves. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Five players waived, with a stunning decision out of Toronto

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Julien Trekker | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 10:53 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially made a shocking move involving Ryan Reaves just a day before the NHL trade deadline.

In breaking news, insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that five players were placed on the NHL waiver wire, and three others were claimed.

Notably, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the decision to put Ryan Reaves on waivers.

Reaves joined Tyler Pitlick, Riley Stillman, Evan Cormier and Cameron Hebig on the list of players up for grabs.

In addition, three players changed teams: Jordan Oesterle left the Boston Bruins for the Nashville Predators, who also claimed Jakub Vrana from the Washington Capitals, while the Columbus Blue Jackets grabbed Christian Fischer from the Detroit Red Wings.

Let's not forget that any player on an NHL roster when the deadline passes will be ineligible to play in the AHL for the rest of the season and during the playoffs.

This means players who had to clear waivers before joining the AHL had to be sent down Thursday.

In the Leafs' case, they are likely planning to bring him back to the NHL for the playoffs. General manager Brad Treliving likely considered that his $1,350,000 AAV contract, which expires at the end of next season, would discourage teams from claiming him.

Reaves, 28, has played 35 games this season with the Maple Leafs, recording just two assists. He has averaged 7:48 of ice time per game and holds a -2 rating.

It will be interesting to see how the Toronto Maple Leafs use the extra cap space. If he clears waivers, the Leafs will free up $1.15 million, but if he is claimed, they will gain $1.35 million in cap relief.

In a recent report, Elliotte Friedman linked Brock Nelson, Brayden Schenn and Mikko Rantanen to the Leafs.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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