Reaves Suspended for Hit on Nurse

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games without pay following an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse, as announced by the NHL's Department of Player Safety. The incident occurred during the second period of a game on Saturday, where Reaves delivered a high hit that left Nurse bloodied and unable to return to the game. Reaves, who has now been suspended four times in his career, received a match penalty for the hit, and his forfeited salary will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The play has been widely criticized by fans and players, with Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins describing it as a 'dangerous play'. Reaves will be eligible to return to the lineup on December 4, when the Maple Leafs face the Nashville Predators. This suspension highlights ongoing concerns about player safety and the need for stricter enforcement of illegal hits in the NHL.