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Ex-Leafs GM scorns Leaf fans for turning on Ryan Reaves so quickly

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Ryan Smitheram
November 23, 2023 (0:18)

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves endeared himself to Leaf fans very quickly when he fought twice in the first two games of the season. However, that endearment quickly turned to displeasure as Reaves and the fourth line struggled in his limited minutes, often forcing Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe to shorten his bench.

In 14 games with the Leafs, Reaves was a team-worst -11 and had yet to register a point. Reaves has been a healthy scratch for the last three games and projects to be a scratch for their game on Friday in Chicago as well. Many fans believe that the Leafs should send him down to the Marlies if they aren't going to play him and free up just over $1M in cap space. It's either that or trade him, really.

With some fans turning on Reaves, others still believe he can be useful in the right situation and on Wednesday's episode of "Leafs Morning Take" former Leafs GM Brian Burke conveyed that message, while also calling out Leaf fans.

"Anyone that thought when they brought Ryan Reaves in that he'd play every night is out of their minds. That's a player that provides a very specific skill set. He's the king of the jungle, as tough as they come... I think the write-off on Ryan Reaves was very quick in this market, which is ironic because the pressure of the Toronto market is terrific anyway, but they're quick to turn on people and they're quick to blame experiments that don't seem to work. They seemed to turn very quickly on Ryan Reaves and I don't understand it because I like this player a lot, so to me, I'd say wait a few more games and see."

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Burke has seen first-hand how quickly Leaf fans can turn on players during his time as the team's GM. Everyone loved Dion Phaneuf when he arrived, but he wore out his welcome and became the whipping boy rather quickly. The same can be said for the likes of Jake Gardiner, Frederik Andersen and, most recently, Justin Holl.

Burke also defended Reaves and believes the Leafs will need him and find the right use for him.

"He's a great kid and I think he'll play those limited minutes and do those things he's done historically. I think he needs linemates that complement that and he doesn't need to play every night. I think that my prediction is stick with Reavo and things will come around for him there. I do think he needs help around him in some of the areas of the game but I think that he is still a feared guy. He's still a great leader, he still provides the value and they will need him before long when they start playing some of the tougher teams in the league. They will still need him."

The Leafs have a pair of games coming up against the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins, two of the NHL's bigger and tougher teams, and it would not come as a surprise to see Reaves dress for one or both of those games to keep them in check. Reaves has two more years on his current deal that will see him earn $1.35M per season. If the Leafs fail to find the right balance of having and not having Reaves in the lineup, however, his time in Toronto could be short-lived.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Leafs may have hit a home run with 6-foot-4 defensive prospect

Former Leafs GM discusses why the Leafs and Flames are perfect trade partners

Sheldon Keefe informs the media where things are at with John Klingberg; it doesn't sound promising

POLL
23 NOVEMBRE \| 308 ANSWERS Ex-Leafs GM scorns Leaf fans for turning on Ryan Reaves so quickly How many games will Ryan Reaves play this year in his first season as a Leaf?
Less than 20	94	30.5 %
21-40	133	43.2 %
41-60	54	17.5 %
More than 60	27	8.8 %
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