Reaves hasn't been in the Maple Leafs' lineup since Mar. 2 against the Penguins.
Apr 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves (75) pursues the play against the Florida Panthers in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Ryan Reaves was assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on the day of the trade deadline, but it remains unknown if he'll suit up for the team.
The 38-year-old was placed on waivers on Mar. 6 with the Toronto Maple Leafs hoping to free up most of Reaves' salary to acquire a player ahead of the playoffs. After clearing waivers, Toronto added defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins.
Usually, once a player is assigned to their AHL club, they report to the team. However, because of Reaves' importance to the Maple Leafs, it has yet to happen. And if injuries occur with the NHL club, he'll likely not see the AHL.
Reaves has two assists in 35 games with the Maple Leafs. His importance, though, comes more off the ice than on it. If he's a healthy scratch, you can see Reaves on the jumbotron hyping up his teammates before they step out onto the ice.
He's an integral part of the Maple Leafs.
According to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel, Reaves will eventually report to the Marlies, but that'll be after a "minicamp of sorts" that he's been going through since early February.
"No, I have not [spoken to Reaves]," Marlies head coach John Gruden said following their win over the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday inside Scotiabank Arena. "We'll see what happens with that."
Even Gruden didn't know if Reaves would report to the Marlies. It appears as though it's an every day development, which could, or could not, end up with him playing games in the AHL for the first time since Feb. 2011.
The Marlies play on Sunday against Charlotte and then don't play again until they travel to Laval to face the Rocket on Wednesday. Reaves has played his entire NHL career — 912 NHL games — since last playing in the AHL.
"It's a tough adjustment for anyone," Gruden added. "At the end of the day, we just want what's best for him. And when that time comes, we'll just deal with it."
