Ryan Reaves anticipating a much better 2024-25 season with the Maple Leafs

Reaves signed a 3 year contract with the Leafs last summer with a $1.35M AAV, and tallied 6 points and 49 PIMS in 49 games last season in the first year of his deal.

Reaves had a difficult start to the season last year, but rebounded nicely in the 2nd half. The gritty forward, seems to optimistic for next year with the incoming changes to the blue and white.

In an interview with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill on The Leafs Nation's "Morning Take", Reaves revealed how frustrated he was getting being on the ice for so many goals against early on.

He knows that he failed to earn the trust of his coach, Sheldon Keefe, in the early stages of the season, confirming as much on the podcast.

Overall, though, Reaves viewed it as a bit of "a tale of two seasons", feeling much better about how he played in the second half. Now, he's eager for a fresh slate under a new coach.

Craig Berube is known for being a tough coach, and likes his team to play tough and hard to play against. Reaves did not play for Berube in St Louis, but Reaves has talked to his former teammates about the coach and is clearly very excited for the coaching change. Berube was also an enforcer in the NHL, so they have that connection as well.

The Leafs are not a team that lacks skill, so a Reaves type of player fits right in and fills a clear role. Reaves brings a different element to the team as he holds opponents accountable for their actions. Like Reaves himself, I do think the fiesty winger is due for a bounce back season, with an all-around harder to play against Leafs team.

Source: The Leafs Nation
Ryan Reaves on his First year as a Maple Leaf