Sheldon Keefe makes surprising statement regarding newcomer Ryan Reaves
When the Leafs signed 36-year-old Ryan Reaves to a 3-year deal worth $1.35M per season on July 1st - yes, some were excited to have a player of Reaves' character, grit and toughness landing in Toronto, but others were not nearly as enthusiastic about a player who will very likely play less than 10 minutes per game on most nights.
Yes, the term may be a year longer than most are comfortable with and no, the salary being above the bury-able amount isn't exactly ideal if the wheels do begin to fall off this season, but so far, with what Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has seen with Reaves, Keefe, along with the rest of the coaching staff and the management group in Toronto have really enjoyed what Reaves has brought to the team in the early-going.
"A lot of confidence, swagger... consistency. That part of it, I wasn't quite sure on that end. You know, you don't really know until you see a guy and you work with him everyday, but his consistency, his demeanor and his attitude, everything that's he's brought here daily and then his consistency in his practice habits, consistency with how he's played on the ice - I've been really, really impressed.
This is a true professional who knows his job. When I say that, I'm not referring to his role as a physical player - the fighting and all that kind of stuff. He, defensively, knows his responsibility. He's gotten it right pretty much every time and plays hard and smart, keeps his shifts short - I've been really impressed with what we've gotten from Reavo here so far. I thought he was excellent in the first game the other night, so I've been thrilled with him here and what he's brought to our group." - Sheldon Keefe on the addition of Ryan Reaves
This is a true professional who knows his job. When I say that, I'm not referring to his role as a physical player - the fighting and all that kind of stuff. He, defensively, knows his responsibility. He's gotten it right pretty much every time and plays hard and smart, keeps his shifts short - I've been really impressed with what we've gotten from Reavo here so far. I thought he was excellent in the first game the other night, so I've been thrilled with him here and what he's brought to our group." - Sheldon Keefe on the addition of Ryan Reaves
Reaves played a little over 8 minutes in his Leafs debut on Wednesday, racking up 3 hits, 1 shot on goal and a 1st period fight with Habs enforcer Arber Xhekaj. I know he's not everyone's cup of tea from a production perspective, but the intangibles that he brings to the Leafs already appear to be vastly important to the brass in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 14 | 58 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe makes surprising statement regarding newcomer Ryan Reaves Are you warming up to the idea of Ryan Reaves in Toronto? | ||
| Warming up? I always loved the signing! | 36 | 62.1 % |
| Yes, it took me awhile, but I'm getting there | 17 | 29.3 % |
| No, I still think it's a mistake | 5 | 8.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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