Maple Leafs' Reaves Facing Suspension After Brutal Head Shot on Oilers' Darnell Nurse

The Edmonton Oilers are awaiting word on how much time defenseman Darnell Nurse could miss after being left dazed and bleeding badly from his face after Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves delivered a brutal shoulder hit to the head in Saturday night's game. 

Ryan Reaves receives a 5-minute match penalty for this hit on Darnell Nurse. pic.twitter.com/hVZN9FJpRY

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024

Nurse's head immediately snapped back on the impact of Reaves' hit, and he went down in a scary scene. The Leafs' fourth-liner was handed a five-minute match penalty. 

Insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Reaves went towards the Edmonton room for a face-to-face apology during the third period. However, there's no doubt that Reaves will face some severe discipline from NHL Player Safety, especially considering he's been suspended three previous times in his career for a total of 6 games. 

With respect to Reaves transgression on Nurse. Could be suspended for multiple infractions on same play:
* Charging
* Head principle point of contact/Picking the head
* Deliberate intent to injure
Darnell paid an unnecessary price.
Reaves needs to pay a necessary price.

— Craig Button (@CraigJButton) November 17, 2024

Insider Craig Button of TSN listed a number of violations committed on the play that could add to Reaves' suspension, including charging, headshot, and even deliberate intent to injure. 

Reaves has played in 16 games this season, with one assist and 23 penalty minutes, in just under 8 minutes of ice time per contest. 

Nurse, 29, has 9 points in 18 games for the Oilers, playing 20:49 per game, and has a plus/minus rating of +2.