Heave Reaves: Leafs cap woes could be solved with one simple choice

While players such as Pontus Holmberg, or youngsters like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan could help the Leafs in the long run, a veteran presence that could provide some leadership, grittiness and a winning mindset would be the ideal route. Currently the Leafs are trying with Ryan Reaves and it's not working.

In a bygone era where enforcers and fighting are a thing of the past (even though names like Matt Rempe has tried to bring it back into the fold) it looks like Reaves no longer holds a spot in an ever-changing game.

He's a locker room favourite, he always seems to motivate people but it doesn't translate to on-ice success. He doesn't score, he doesn't really play any defense; being a -13 on the ice and exploited constantly by the top players in the league. He can motivate by fighting, but how often nowadays will the tide turn from a fight? More often it's goals, or an incredible save that sparks something.

Reaves' contract will see him making $1.35M and while it doesn't break the bank, the money could be spent elsewhere. Names such as Filip Zadina, Mike Hoffman and Kevin Labanc are still available and would provide an offensive punch while bringing veteran leadership (save for Zadina who is still only 24). All three of these men would command contracts lower than Reaves and do substantially more overall.

It would behoove the Leafs to move the enforcer, or simply find a way to dump him off somehow. It wouldn't be a ton of money but in a world where maximizing every penny is crucial in building a successful team; nearly $1.5M would go a long way.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
If The Leafs Need Cap Space, There's One Logical Solution