NHL Announces Hearing for Leafs' Ryan Reaves, First Hint at Suspension For Hit on Oilers' Darnell Nurse

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Ryan Hall
November 17, 2024 (7:36)

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The NHL has announced a virtual hearing for Leafs forward Ryan Reaves after his brutal hit on Darnell Nurse, and insiders are weighing in on what suspension length he may face from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

The play in question was during the early going of the second period when Reaves attempted to throw a body check onto Nurse which became a headhunt which sent Nurse flying and leaving his head a bloody mess. At one point it appeared Nurse struggled to even get up off the ice as trainers and medical officials were trying to help him head over to his bench. Reaves Received a match penalty for the hit and was ejected from the game which will likely lead to further disciplinary action.

However, the decision for a virtual suspension is the first hint towards the length of the suspension. Since it is not an in-person hearing, Reaves can't be suspended more than 5 games.

Reporters like Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal feels the NHL should throw the book at Reaves which includes a five-game suspension. Reaves has been notorious for being in trouble with the NHL for the use of his body and how he conducts his business on the ice.

Others including Daniel Nugent Bowman questioned if there was any malintent from Reaves but did agree that a suspension is likely for him as he did receive a match penalty and was ejected from the game.

This kind of injury may be devastating to the Oilers defense corps as the Oilers are continuing to sort out their team and trying to find more consistent ways considering how depleted their offence has been over the past several weeks.General manager Stan Bowman has been reported to be looking across the league for any defensive help and with this Nurse injury, he may be accelerating his look especially if he's missing significant time.

With an injured Nurse, the Oilers will continue their Eastern Canada road swing as they will arrive in Montreal to face off against the Canadiens on Monday November 18th, game time will be at 7:30 PM eastern.