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One-time Penguins enforcer Ryan Reaves calls out former team on honesty, communication
Former Penguins enforcer Ryan Reaves has just called out his old team, the Maple Leafs, for a lack of honesty and communication with him.
Thursday night brings Ryan Reaves back to Toronto, just months after the former Maple Leaf was traded to the Sharks. In a season where he felt trust in his game slipping, that kept him stapled to the bench and in the AHL for a stint at the time.
Today, the former Pittsburgh Penguin did say he held no hard feelings toward the Leafs, but simply desired more "honesty and communication" during his time of limbo, saying they had basically told him he couldn't play in the league anymore, and now he's back.
"They basically said that I couldn't play in this league anymore. And I'm back."
- Ryan Reaves
- Ryan Reaves
What Leafs coach Craig Berube had to say about Ryan Reaves
After the morning skate on Thursday, coach Craig Berube spoke about Reaves' return. Even with how things ended, he made clear he respects the veteran.
"I've known Reavo for a long time," Berube said. "I think Reavo's had a great career, in terms of what he does and his role as a player. You know, things happen, that's just the way the game goes. You get a little older, get towards the end of your career. I went through it, I understand totally where he's at and what he thinks. It's all good, I love Reavo."
The power play remains a big storyline in Toronto, currently the worst in the league at 13.7% efficiency.
Why the Leafs took advantage of a few days off
Having some days off at home since Monday's game, Berube said the team used the extra time to work on special teams and hopes to show progress this weekend.
On the injury front, Morgan Rielly did not skate on Wednesday because of an illness. Injured defenceman Chris Tanev, who hasn't played since early in the season, underwent another evaluation this week with results pending.
There have been some murmurs about surgery, but that's just not a topic at the moment, according to Berube.
Between the pipes, Joseph Woll continues his recovery from a lower-body injury and could skate Friday, keeping him on track for a possible Saturday return. In Woll's absence, Dennis Hildeby gets the start Thursday night.
Puck is set to drop at 7 pm from Scotiabank Arena as the Maple Leafs host Reaves and the Sharks.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 146 ANSWERS One-time Penguins enforcer Ryan Reaves calls out former team on honesty, communication Are you a fan of Ryan Reaves? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 45.9 % |
| No | 79 | 54.1 % |
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