"Couple of beers, maybe some poker": Ryan Reaves on the Maple Leafs’ annual team bonding trip with NHL season a week away

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 30, 2024 22:12 GMT

Ryan Reaves and the Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for the 2024-25 NHL season. Last season, the Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins in the playoffs' first round. So this year, they have a lot to prove.

On Monday, Reaves talked about the Maple Leafs' annual team bonding trip in Muskoka, Ontario. Toronto will practice on Wednesday in Muskoka.

"Any time you can get the boys together for some golf, a couple of beers, maybe some poker. … It’s just a good time," Reaves said to reporters. "It’s a great way to bond, get to know the new guys, and bring the team together after a long summer before the grind starts for real."

Other players who practiced on Monday before leaving for Muskoka include William Nylander, Bobby McMann and Max Domi.

John Tavares and Calle Jarnkrok missed practice due to injuries but are expected to join the team soon.

Ryan Reaves comments on Patrik Laine and Cedric Pare's situation

The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens flared on Saturday. Cedric Pare of the Leafs collided with Canadiens forward Patrik Laine, injuring him, though no penalty was called. Montreal's Arber Xhekaj responded by punching Pare, leading to his ejection and a fine of $3,385.

Ryan Reaves, a Leafs player known for enforcing, defended Pare, saying the collision wasn’t intentional.

“Obviously an unfortunate play (on Laine),” Reaves said to reporters Monday after practice. “I know Pare wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. You feel for Laine, trying to reboot his career in a new city.”

He also understood why Xhekaj stood up for his teammate.

“Xhekaj is obviously there to do his job and the league dealt with it as it dealt with it,” Reaves said.

Reaves mentioned that it's hard to hold back anger when a teammate is hurt, but NHL rules now make it difficult to react immediately.

"I’m sure everyone wishes it was handled differently, that the incident didn’t happen. But those things happen in hockey, it is a fast game." Reaves added.

Montreal coach Martin St. Louis spoke about Laine's dedication and the emotional impact of possibly losing him.

“The No. 1 job we had to do with Patty is make him excited to come to the rink, and he was,” St. Louis said (via NHL.com). ... "And I feel like seeing Patty coming in like that makes me feel like we’re building a home, not just a house."

Laine's injury status is still unclear.