Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Leads NHL in Worst Possible Category

Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs may wonder why they made some of the offseason moves that they did. One in particular is blowing up right in front of their eyes. That’s because one of the newest members of the Blue and White is leading the NHL in an embarrassing category.

The first person Treliving signed at the start of free agency was Ryan Reaves in what was then regarded as a poor decision. Somehow, it’s only looked worse as the enforcer maneuvers himself to the top of the league in a negative way.

Reaves has found himself facing an unusual challenge this season. Known for his physical prowess and formidable presence on the ice, the 36-year-old has garnered attention for a less-than-flattering statistic.

According to Natural Stattrick, through the Maple Leafs first 14 games, Reaves has been on the ice for 11 goals against without having also been on ice for a Leafs goal.

Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Leads NHL in Worst Possible Category

While many will dismiss this by pointing to hockey being a team sport, it’s difficult to dismiss the fact that Reaves has hurt his club without making the impact Treliving would have hoped for so far.

The next closest player in this category is Lukas Reichel, the left winger for the Chicago Blackhawks. The 21-year-old is still trying to find and cement his place in the NHL. He has been on the ice for seven goals against without being on for a Blackhawks goal. As a coincidence, the youngster also has a connection to the Maple Leafs. His father is Robert Reichel, the former Leafs center.

Jacob MacDonald, the left shooting defenseman for the San Jose Sharks, has been on for five goals against without his team scoring while he’s in action. What makes MacDonald’s chase to overthrow Reaves lead is that the blue liner has managed reach that statistic in just two games played this season.

There are a couple of players who saw four goals scored against them without being on the ice for any goals for. They are Mississauga, Ontario native, center Ryan McLeod and his Edmonton Oilers teammate Connor Brown. Brown was a popular player when he suited up for the Maple Leafs, but he never came close to Reaves’ current mark when he played in Toronto.

Clearly, this is nothing to celebrate for Reaves. He knows he needs to be better on both ends of the ice. He has never been known for his defensive prowess or even for being someone who contributes significantly to the offense, but Reaves’ fortunes will change soon enough. For his career, he has played 841 games where he recorded 39 goals and 70 assists.

All Reaves needs is to be on-ice for a single Leafs goals to end this streak. Hopefully, it is also the confidence boost he needs to turn his fortunes around this season.