Ryan Reaves with bold statement on uncertain NHL future following disastrous season

The past season was a tough one for veteran forward and enforcer Ryan Reaves. He was injured, then a healthy scratch and most times was sort of in the middle of hot takes with insiders and reporters saying he was too afraid to fight on NHL ice. On trade deadline day, he cleared waivers and the Maple Leafs loaned him to the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League when he ended 2024-25.

Before being loaned to the Marlies, Reaves had put up two assists in 35 games this season with the Leafs with a $1.35 million salary in his pockets.

Many fans are wondering what this all means for his future, not only woiht the Maple Leafs, but also in the NHL.

During his appearance on the Cam and Strick podcast, Reaves addresssed his future in the league with a bold statement.

“I still want to play — I’m 83 games away from 1,000 right now, and I’d love to hold on for another two years, hit that mark, and ride into the sunset. I don’t think I’ve got more than two years left, but the dream is always the Stanley Cup. When I first came into the league, I remember telling my wife, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if I hit 100 games?’ Then it was 200, then 500 — and now I’m thinking maybe I chase 1,000. For a player who plays like me, that’d be a pretty cool accomplishment. So, Stanley Cup and 1,000 games — in that order.”

The summer remains uncertain for Reaves who could end up on the move or get in line for Maple Leafs’ training camp in September only to stay down with the Marlies and not cracking the main roster.

Who knows?

Reaves has been a great leader and has valuable experience in any NHL dressing room, but at this time, with how the 2024-25 season ended in Toronto, it’s hard to tell if his comments will materialized in the coming seasons.

Time will tell.