Maple Leafs Ryan Reaves likely on the chopping block

Many Maple Leaf fans had questioned the signing of Reaves for several reasons. From his age, effectiveness in the NHL along with his NHL contract. Many felt that this signing was unnecessary as the NHL has been moving away from enforcer style players and continuing to build skill with size.

During his first year as a Maple Leaf, Reaves had a less than stellar performance as he appeared to be a blunder on the defensive side of the game and went -11 through his first fourteen games. He bounced in and out of the lineup with Sheldon Keefe behind the bench and it appeared he was heading for Robidas Island.

He currently holds two more seasons at $1.35 million per season which may not seem quite high but when the Maple Leafs are tied directly to the cap ceiling, every dollar counts.

What it may come down to is how will he fit in Craig Berube's Maple Leafs. Berube, a tough defenseman from the 1990s could find some value in Reaves's game. It remains to be seen on whether this will happen or not.

One thing is for certain, the Maple Leafs do have several young prospects that are trying to find a roster spot and with that push along with the added pressure of performing this season with his contract, Reaves may find himself in the press box again if his game does not improve.

Source : MapleLeafsDaily.com