The Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing Ryan Reaves back into the lineup against New York, and Craig Berube's reasoning could suggest a major fight incoming, with the dominant Matt Rempe waiting for him on the other side.
Ryan Reaves serves just one purpose in an NHL lineup in 2025, and given that he's been absent for almost a month, it's clear that the Toronto Maple Leafs may not value that presence very highly.
However, he will draw back into the lineup for the teams next matchup with the New York Rangers, with the familiar Matt Rempe on the other side, a player who Reaves has clearly had issues with in the past.
When Head Coach Craig Berube was asked why Reaves was returning to the lineup, he didn't keep it a secret, as he revealed the hulking Rangers forward played a huge role in the decision.
"Rempe over there. He's an effective player."
The two have dropped the gloves once before, and ahead of an earlier meeting this season it appeared as though they would do so again, and with both teams looking to be a Stanley Cup contender in 2024/25, it's very likely that things will once again get physical.
In 33 games this season, Reaves has tallied just 2 assists alongside a -2 differential, and with the once intimidating presence struggling overall in 2024/25, it makes sense that Berube would keep him out of the lineup except for special occasions.
It's unclear at this point whether or not the two will drop the gloves again in this matchup, but given that both thrive on the physical, intimidating style of play, it's a very safe bet in what should be a matchup full of playoff intensity.
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