Ryan Reaves just played his first AHL game in nearly 15 years—and it didn’t take long for him to stir up controversy. In his very first game back, he broke a major league-wide rule.
For years, Reaves has been one of the most feared players in the NHL. He made his debut with the St. Louis Blues in 2010, and while he’s never been known for his offensive production, he’s certainly made an impact wherever he’s played.
Reaves has always brought heart and physicality to the ice, but since signing a big contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the 2023-24 season, things have taken a downward turn. He played just 49 games in his first year with the team, and this season, he’s only appeared in 35. At the trade deadline, Reaves went unclaimed on waivers before being assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Ryan Reaves breaks league rule
His debut with the Marlies was delayed until earlier this week, when he finally suited up for the team. But from the moment he hit the ice, something stood out—and it wasn’t his play.
The AHL requires all players to wear a visor, something Reaves hasn’t done in years—if ever—during his NHL career. Now forced to comply, he found a creative way to bend the rules. While he technically wore a visor, he pushed it so high up on his helmet that it served no purpose at all.
According to the AHL rulebook, visors “must cover the face,” meaning Reaves could have easily been assessed an “illegal equipment” penalty if his opponents had noticed. However, no call was made. Reaves didn’t make it onto the scoresheet in his first game back, as the Marlies fell 2-1 to the Utica Comets.
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