Maple Leafs’ Ryan Reaves Speaks Out After AHL Demotion to Marlies
Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves is heading back to the American Hockey League, and he’s not staying quiet about it. Known as one of the last of a fading breed of hockey players—the enforcer, whose role isn’t defined by offensive stats—Reaves has once again been reassigned by the Leafs.
But don’t count him out just yet. While the demotion might sting, Reaves is keeping his spirits high and staying close to the action. Even from the AHL, he’s determined to stay connected with the team and his teammates, proving that his impact goes beyond the ice.
“The best teams I’ve been on are the teams that like to run together and have a really good time together and laugh together…”
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) March 15, 2025
Ryan Reaves is joining the Marlies. The Maple Leafs’ dressing room won't be the same: https://t.co/6wUHbT9x6f
Reaves may be off the, but he’s certainly not out of the game.
Though the news wasn’t exactly what he hoped for, Reaves remains committed to staying involved with the team and supporting his teammates, even after his demotion.
"Everybody's got a role and my role is a little bit different," Reaves said. "I'm a guy who brings energy. But I try and still be involved when I'm not playing. I think it's important to show support, whether you're in the lineup or not. It goes a long way, in the playoffs especially. I just like to be around the boys. I don't like to be away from them."
In early February, Reaves explained that he knew his role was diminishing but that he still enjoyed being a part of the team and bringing his brand of humor into the dressing room.
"My role is a little different than a lot of guys on this team where I may not play big minutes or power play or penalty kill or any of that," Reaves said. "But I try and be a guy who keeps the room light, brings the boys together, makes sure there's time to have fun together at the right times. I think that's really important."
This season, Reaves suited up for 35 games with the Leafs, recording just two assists and 28 penalty minutes. Over his 912-game NHL career, he has tallied 137 points (63 goals, 74 assists) and an impressive 1,100 penalty minutes.
After signing a three-year deal with Toronto in 2023, Reaves still has one year left on his contract, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $1.35 million.
Image - Dan Hamilton-Imagn
