The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant roster move by placing veteran right winger Ryan Reaves on waivers, creating cap space for potential trades. Reaves' underwhelming performance, with only two assists in 35 games this season, led to his status as a healthy scratch. This decision reflects the team's foresight in signing him to a three-year deal at 37 years of age, an investment that was always seen as a gamble. The Leafs seem to be preparing for more impactful acquisitions, and this move mirrors their past with enforcer Kyle Clifford, who similarly found himself buried in the AHL after limited contributions.

Reaves, known more for his fighting ability than his scoring, has not adapted well to the modern NHL's pace and skill demands. The likelihood of his contract being offloaded to the AHL signifies a strategic pivot for the Leafs, as they continue to refine their roster for a playoff push. The landscape for traditional enforcers is shrinking, making Reaves' waiver placement a telling sign of the evolving game.