Ryan Reaves isn't shying away from a fight upon facing former teammates ahead of Minnesota Wild clash 

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 14, 2023 19:07 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs' right winger, Ryan Reaves, is renowned for his physicality and determination on the ice. As the NHL gears up for an intense showdown between the Maple Leafs and the Minnesota Wild, Reaves is making his intentions clear, and it's more than just a game for him.

In a recent Twitter post shared by Michael Russo, a prominent NHL scribe for The Athletic, Ryan Reaves issued a stern warning to his former teammates as the clash with the Minnesota Wild looms on the horizon. Reaves' words were as direct as they were ominous, shedding light on the competitive fire that burns within him.

"Sometimes when you're better friends with them, you want to lay them out a little more. Unfortunately for them, I became pretty good friends with all of them," Reaves stated.

His words offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics that exist in the world of professional sports, where friendships often collide with the relentless pursuit of victory.

In the NHL, where loyalty to one's team and camaraderie with teammates are highly valued, facing off against friends and former colleagues can be a bittersweet experience. Reaves, however, seems to have adopted a different mindset, one that prioritizes competition and winning above all else.

The Maple Leafs' acquisition of Reaves has added a formidable physical presence to their roster. Known for his tenacity and hard-hitting style of play, Reaves brings a unique element to the team, especially as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Wild.

Reaves' reputation as an enforcer on the ice is well-established, and his willingness to face his former teammates with such determination sends a clear message.

A look at Ryan Reaves's career and stats

Ryan Reaves boasts an extensive NHL career with stints on multiple teams, such as the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers.

As he potentially makes the move to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Reaves is set to bring his physical toughness to the team, in line with the Maple Leafs' goal of adding size and grit to their lineup.

Throughout his notable NHL journey spanning 828 games, Ryan Reaves has made significant contributions, tallying 59 goals, 70 assists, and a total of 129 points. With a career plus/minus rating of -34, Reaves has amassed 1,023 penalty minutes, showcasing his physical dominance on the ice.

Moreover, he has clinched three game-winning goals and notched eight playoff points. Ryan Reaves' career statistics also encompass 557 shots on goal with a shooting percentage of 10.6%.