Leafs Make Surprising Lineup Change at Practice With Ryan Reaves Set to Return

Reaves was handed a five-game suspension just one day after delivering a very dangerous, high hit on Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, which left Nurse with what many suspect was a concussion.

With his suspension officially over, Reaves is eligible to return to the Leafs' lineup on Wednesday when they host the Nashville Predators.

Based on line rushes at Tuesday's practice, it appears as though Craig Berube is wasting little time getting the 37-year-old back into the lineup as he slotted in on the right side with Connor Dewar and Nikita Grebenkin at practice on Tuesday.

With Reaves slotting into the lineup, Alex Nylander appears to be coming out after skating in the last 4 games.

Many fans believe the Leafs don't exactly need Reaves in the lineup, and that he is taking up valuable roster and cap space. Reaves is a key personality in the dressing room and fits Craig Berube's physical style of play.

Had Alex Nylander been more productive during his four games, removing him from the lineup may have been a more difficult decision, but with how Grebenkin and Fraser Minten have played, taking Nylander out of the lineup was the obvious choice.

In 16 games for the Leafs this season Reaves has just one point, 44 hits, and 23 penalty minutes while averaging just under 8 minutes per game.