Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves was assessed a five-minute match penalty for an illegal hit to the head on Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse.
Reaves delivered a forearm to Nurse’s head while on the forecheck during the second period of Saturday’s game. Nurse was down for several minutes, left the ice with the assistance of teammate Mattias Janmark and a trainer, and was seen bleeding as he exited the game.
Nurse was subsequently ruled out of the game with an upper-body injury per the Oilers.
Here is a replay of Reaves’ hit on Nurse, and we don’t necessarily advise watching it:
Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024
As a result of the play, Reaves will almost certainly face supplementary discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety — it’s entirely possible that Reaves will face a lengthy suspension for the play.
Reaves’ most recent suspension occurred during the 2021 playoffs as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, for unsportsmanlike conduct against then-Colorado Avalanche defenceman Ryan Graves, a two-game sanction for attempting to injure. By the letter of the rule, Reaves isn’t considered a repeat offender by the Department of Player Safety, since it’s been 18 months or greater since his last suspension. He has been suspended three times during his career.
Reaves has also been previously suspended for an illegal hit to the head, receiving two games for a hit on then-Vancouver Canucks forward Tyler Motte. He was also sanctioned three games for boarding then-San Jose Sharks defenceman Matt Tennyson.
The 37-year-old has recorded one assist in 16 games for the Maple Leafs this season.
Nurse has recorded two goals and seven points in 18 games this season for the Oilers, and is a crucial part of their core group.
Toronto will play Edmonton again on February 1, 2025 to close out the two-game season series.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.
