In a heated second-period exchange between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, tensions flared following a controversial hit that left Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse shaken. The incident, involving Leafs forward Ryan Reaves, quickly became a talking point after Nurse was sent spiraling to the ice with a high hit that appeared to target the head. The impact of the hit not only resulted in an injury for Nurse but also raised questions about Reaves’ playing style and potential discipline from the NHL.
The collision occurred midway through the second period when Reaves caught Nurse with a forceful check that many perceived as high and dangerous. Nurse, who had been skating up the ice, was unable to avoid the hit and fell hard to the ice, his body twisting unnaturally as he crashed to the surface. Immediately, the Oilers’ training staff rushed to attend to the defenseman, who was visibly shaken. Upon examination, Nurse was found to have a noticeable cut and was unable to continue playing. Though he skated off the ice under his own power, it was soon announced by the Oilers that Nurse would not return to the game due to an upper-body injury.
The physicality of the moment was heightened by the fact that Reaves was assessed a five-minute major penalty for a hit to the head, in addition to a match penalty, which resulted in his ejection from the game. The severity of the penalty highlighted the seriousness with which the referees viewed the hit, as headshots are strictly scrutinized in today’s game. While the Maple Leafs forward has a reputation for physical play, this incident marked one of the more high-profile moments in his tenure with the Leafs.
At the time of the incident, Reaves had logged just 3:54 of ice time through five shifts, with no other significant contributions to the game in terms of shots, hits, or other statistics. By contrast, Nurse had made his presence felt in the first half of the game, registering two shots on goal, one block, and one hit in 7:45 of ice time. His loss was felt heavily by the Oilers, who were forced to adjust their defensive strategy without the seasoned blueliner in the lineup.
Reaves, a player known for his physicality and enforcer role, has had a history of discipline-related incidents throughout his career. The hit on Nurse immediately sparked conversations about whether the 37-year-old would face further punishment from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Given the nature of the hit, many analysts speculated that the league might investigate the incident and consider supplemental discipline. Reaves has a history of suspensions, having been banned for two games during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights after an altercation with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves. He also received a one-game suspension in the 2020 postseason for an illegal hit to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Tyler Motte. Additionally, in 2016, Reaves served a three-game suspension for boarding San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Tennyson during his time with the St. Louis Blues.
This latest incident with Nurse could put Reaves under the microscope once again, as the league has consistently cracked down on hits to the head in recent years. The NHL’s focus on player safety has grown, and high hits that result in injury are often met with stern penalties. Reaves’ track record of previous suspensions, combined with the fact that Nurse appeared to suffer a significant upper-body injury from the hit, only adds to the possibility of further consequences for the Leafs forward.
Despite the controversy surrounding the play, Reaves has been a steady presence on the Leafs’ roster this season, though his role has been somewhat limited. Through 16 games played out of the team’s first 19, he has contributed just one assist and averages a modest 8:07 of ice time per game. This is Reaves’ second season with Toronto after joining the team as a free agent, and while he is not expected to be a major contributor on the score sheet, his physical style and leadership in the locker room are valued by the Leafs organization.
The Leafs have been one of the more dominant teams in the NHL this season, and Reaves’ presence on the ice contributes to their overall toughness and physicality. However, incidents like the one with Nurse could create distractions and overshadow the team’s performance, particularly if the NHL decides to impose further discipline on the veteran forward.
For the Oilers, the injury to Nurse is another setback in what has already been a challenging season. The defenseman has been a key part of their blue line and his absence leaves a significant void in their defensive corps. Nurse’s leadership and physicality have been integral to the Oilers’ success in recent years, and losing him, even temporarily, could have ramifications for their playoff aspirations. The Oilers will have to assess the extent of Nurse’s injury in the coming days, with hopes that he can make a quick recovery and return to the lineup soon.
As the NHL continues to monitor the situation, the focus will inevitably shift to Reaves and the potential for supplemental discipline. The Department of Player Safety has been active in addressing dangerous hits, and a decision on whether Reaves will face any further consequences could come in the days following the game. For now, the Leafs and Oilers will look to move forward from the incident, with Reaves likely awaiting an official response from the league.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, incidents like this one continue to fuel debates about the role of physicality in the game and how the league should handle dangerous hits. While some argue that the enforcer role is vital to maintaining the toughness of the sport, others believe that stricter penalties for headshots are necessary to protect players from long-term injuries. The outcome of Reaves’ potential suspension could set a significant precedent in the ongoing conversation about player safety in the NHL.
