Ryan Reaves takes yet another dig at Corey Perry over the ongoing feud

By Arnab Mondal

Modified Oct 18, 2023 19:32 GMT

In a fiery exchange on Monday night, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves once again took aim at his longstanding rival, Chicago Blackhawks forward Corey Perry. The two veterans engaged in a war of words and shoves, shedding light on a decade-long feud between the players.

Reaves, known for his enforcer role, left no room for ambiguity when he explained his disdain for Perry:

"Just the way he runs his mouth. He kind of acts tough. He's not tough," Reaves said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The animosity between Reaves and Perry dates back to their first encounter early in the last decade. Despite their shared penchant for spending time in the penalty box, their views on one another remain at odds. While Reaves has notched 1,033 penalty minutes over 831 career games, Perry boasts 1,382 penalty minutes across 1,261 games, with an impressive 887 points.

Despite Corey Perry's impressive accolades, including four All-Star selections, a Hart Trophy win in 2011, and a Stanley Cup championship with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, Reaves remains unimpressed.

"I never really liked him, to be honest," Reaves asserted. "We always seem to kind of run into each other when we play against each other. Not a lot of love for that guy."

As the rivalry intensifies, hockey fans can look forward to the Leafs and Blackhawks facing off once more on November 24 in Chicago, with tensions between Ryan Reaves and Corey Perry sure to be a focal point of the matchup.

Debate Ignites Over Ryan Reaves' Impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs

A recent Twitter exchange sparked a debate regarding Ryan Reaves. It all began with a tweet from @IneffectiveMath, highlighting Reaves' underwhelming statistics, particularly his team being outshot and outscored during his limited ice time. This tweet raised questions about the value he brings to the team.

Former Ottawa Senators player Marc Methot waded into the conversation, defending Reaves by emphasizing the intangible aspects of a player's impact. Methot argued that a player's worth isn't solely measured by statistics and charts but by the chemistry and morale, he fosters in the locker room.

Ryan Reaves, known for his physical play and willingness to drop the gloves, has faced analytical criticism throughout his career for his Corsi For (CF%) statistics, which measure shot attempts, blocks, and more.

Despite his limited offensive contributions, Reaves brings a much-needed physical presence to the Leafs. Since his arrival is recent, judging his impact after only two games may be premature, and he could provide the energy and toughness that the Leafs have long sought.