The Toronto Maple Leafs have failed to capture the imagination of their fanbase with the signing of Ryan Reaves on Day One of free agency.
In paying Reaves $1.35 million for three years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have committed to considerable term for a fourth-line player.
Hence the displeasure of fans in some quarters; why would you tie yourselves to a player that will be nearing 40 at the conclusion of his deal? Especially an enforcer who is bad at both scoring and defense?
Well perhaps the question is why wouldn’t you? Perhaps there is something about Ryan Reaves that makes him a valuable addition?
Toronto Maple Leafs Are Certainly Hedging Bets
The Toronto Maple Leafs are hedging their bets that Ryan Reaves can succeed where Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford failed.
He brings a truculence to the team that, had he been in the team’s lineup during the Florida series, might’ve seen Sam Bennett or Radko Gudas taught a lesson.
The value of having Ryan Reaves around when there’s a strong likelihood that Matthew Knies is becoming a regular piece of the lineup could be why the Toronto Maple Leafs were so comfortable spending money.
Ryan Reaves doesn’t bring game changing play making, he barely scores, he doesn’t play a fast game, he simply serves his role, almost a throwback – he prevents other teams from taking liberties.
He is what people might refer to as a locker-room guy, someone you’re happy to have on your side of a fight.
Given his likely linemates are either Sam Lafferty or David Kampf and potentially a Marlies call-up (depending on other free agency moves), there has to be a little pondering as to the style of such a line.
David Kampf is a strong faceoff guy with good defensive instincts, Sam Lafferty has speed to burn while Reaves is rather limited but certainly intimidates and throws his body with intent to hurt.
As a trio their individual leanings sound far too diverse to suggest good chemistry, but maybe, just maybe the different nature of their playing styles can provide something interesting for the Toronto Maple Leafs fourth line.
Maybe the intimidation factor of Reaves and speed of Lafferty is a recipe for success if you throw a proven AHL scorer like Bobby McMann with them?
In fact, there’s possibly not enough said about the fact that Ryan Reaves is a decent net-front option on a powerplay that is surely going to see changes with the departure of it’s coach, Spencer Carbery.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have certainly made worse moves than this in the past, only time will tell if Reaves is a good fit or is a bad call by the new General Manager.