Maple Leafs' Reaves gets 5-game suspension and fine for illegal check to the head of Oilers' Nurse
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Ryan Reaves (75) collides with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 in Toronto. Credit: AP/Christopher Katsarov
NEW YORK — Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games without pay for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Reaves also was fined $35,156.25, the NHL’s Department of Safety announced Sunday.
The incident took place at 2:38 of the second period in Toronto’s 4-3 overtime win on Saturday.
Nurse had the puck along the end boards in his own zone when Reaves came in and hit him high.
Nurse’s helmet almost came off and he had blood on his face. The 29-year-old looked to be in a daze as he struggled to get up and was immediately given medical attention before exiting the game.
Reaves was assessed a match penalty for the hit.
