During a recent clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, the focus of attention once again shifted to the contentious issue of player safety and high hits in the NHL. Ryan Reaves, a forward for the Maple Leafs, has been subjected to a five-game suspension following an illegal hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This suspension marks the fourth in Reaves' career and his third related to incidents involving high hits. The decision, pronounced by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, underscores the league's continuing efforts to minimize head contact in the game.
The Incident
The controversial hit took place during the second period of the heated matchup. Reaves delivered a shoulder check intended for Nurse's body, but the hit resulted in Nurse's head becoming the principal point of contact. Described as a "high, hard check," the impact was significant enough to force Nurse off the ice, unable to return for the remainder of the game.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Oilers voiced his disappointment, stating, "It's a dangerous play. [Reaves] has got to know that Nursey doesn't see him coming and choose the right path there, and he doesn't. It's tough to see one of your teammates on the ice like that."
Player Safety and Past Suspensions
The decision by the Department of Player Safety was clear, as they outlined that Reaves "closes in on Nurse and delivers a high, hard check that cuts across the front of Nurse's body, missing his core and picking it his head, making it the main point of contact on his body where such head contact was avoidable." This statement highlights a recurring issue in Reaves' play. Known for his physical presence on the ice, Reaves' aggressive style has often led him into disciplinary trouble.
In the era where player safety has become a focal point for the league, repeat offenses involving hits to the head draw stricter penalties. Reaves' previous suspensions were taken into account, influencing the current five-game ban. This decision was not only a personal setback for Reaves but a reminder to all players in the NHL of the importance of adjusting their physical play to ensure safety on the ice.
Impact on the Players and Their Teams
Darnell Nurse's absence was felt by the Oilers, as the defenseman has been a crucial element of their lineup, contributing two goals and totaling nine points over 18 games this season. Averaging nearly 21 minutes per game, Nurse's contributions extend beyond his offensive numbers; he is a cornerstone of the Oilers' defense. His inability to return to the game after the hit was a significant blow, with the team narrowly losing 4-3 in overtime to the Leafs.
On the other side, Ryan Reaves will forfeit $35,156.25 in salary due to the suspension. This impact extends off the ice, affecting both his playing time and financial earnings. Despite participating in 16 games this season, Reaves has averaged only 7 minutes and 51 seconds of play per game, managing a single assist. His presence is more tactical and physical than purely statistical.
Looking Ahead
The Maple Leafs will need to adjust to the absence of Reaves during his five-game suspension, as his physical play is often a deterrent against opposing offenses. Reaves is slated to make his return against Nashville on December 4th, which will mark the end of his enforced break.
Incidents like these continue to stir debate within the hockey community about the balance between physical play and player safety. While the NHL's handling of this situation aims to deter dangerous hits to the head, it also places pressures on players known for their physicality to adapt and refine their gameplay. Whether it leads to a broader shift in how physicality is approached in the league remains to be seen, but the five-game suspension for Ryan Reaves serves as a current benchmark for illegal high hits.