Maple Leafs Place Ryan Reaves On Waivers Ahead Of Trade Deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed veteran forward Ryan Reaves on waivers just before the NHL trade deadline, aiming to free up salary cap space. Reaves, who has only recorded two assists in 35 games this season, is on a contract worth $1.35 million annually, which has prompted the team to consider potential trades to bolster their center depth, including interest in Scott Laughton and Brayden Schenn. If claimed, all of Reaves' cap hit would be removed from the Leafs' structure, allowing them to create over $2 million in space. Toronto currently shares the top spot in the Atlantic division with the Florida Panthers, who are also making moves, having recently acquired Seth Jones. Maple Leafs players have expressed confidence in the management's ability to enhance the roster as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, Reaves has seen reduced ice time this season, averaging just under eight minutes per game, indicating a decline in his role on the team.