It has been a couple of weeks that Ryan Reaves has been back practicing with the Maple Leafs and despite that Reaves remained on the injured reserve. The situation drew some attention over the weekend as Ryan Reaves was open about his frustration about not being in the Leafs lineup and stated that he is healthy enough to play. The latter statement seemed as if it would force the Leafs hand and today the Maple Leafs have activated Reaves.
Ryan Reaves has been activated from the IR.
Tyler Bertuzzi, who is with his wife awaiting the birth of a child, has been designated a non-roster player and doesn’t count against the team’s 23-man limit while away.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) January 23, 2024
As Jonas Siegel mentioned, Bertuzzi not being with the team allows Toronto an extra day to figure out what exactly they are doing when it comes to their roster. Toronto seems very happy with what they are getting from Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson has been producing when he is in the lineup. Lately when it comes to the blueline the Leafs have been getting Conor Timmins back into the lineup over Mark Giordano, but William Lagesson is yet to play in 2024. McMann, Lagesson, and Timmins would require waivers, while Holmberg and Robertson can be sent down easily.
The other option is that the Leafs waive Reaves once Bertuzzi returns to the team and based on his play and role compared to the other options, it would make sense.
There will a very low likelihood that Reaves would be claimed as his price/term won’t be easy to move, but it also is a chance for Reaves to get back into some games and reset himself for rejoining the Leafs, if both sides are interested.
Based on the practice lines it is unlikely Reaves will play against his hometown Jets tomorrow.
