Newly signed Leaf expected to be waived by the Leafs in the coming weeks

One of Brad Treliving's first moves as GM was signing the NHL's undisputed heavyweight champion, Ryan Reaves, to a 3-year contract, paying $1.35M per season. Stat heads moaned about the AAV, the term, and presented a myriad of charts to tell everyone why it was a bad signing. Those who watch the games every night saw the Leafs earn a reputation for being too soft, easy to play against and easy to push around. Reaves' presence certainly changes that.

Reaves' personality is almost as big as the lunchbox sized fists he enjoys pummeling his opponents with. That personality was a big part of why the Leafs' front office wanted him. A loud, energetic presence in the room was high on the Leafs' wish list this summer.

Now that training camp has begun, there is speculation that Reaves could be placed on waivers before the beginning of the regular season. Of course, this is no fault of Reaves'. Once again, the NHL's ridiculously restrictive salary cap is to blame. While there are several waiver exempt players who could go down, none of them carry the $1.35M AAV that Reaves does, and so they don't give the Leafs the flexibility that waiving Reaves does.

The good news is that Reaves is unlikely to be claimed. With most teams hovering at or near the cap, not many have the ability to add his salary without losing a player. Also, most won't want to assume the full 3-year term of his contract, as he is already 36 years old. So if you do see Reaves placed on waivers in the near future, don't worry too much. He will likely clear and be part of the opening night lineup anyway. This decision would be purely for flexibility reasons.

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