Leafs make puzzling roster decision that isn't sitting well with fans
The Maple Leafs are back in action on Saturday as they welcome former Leafs Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Schenn back to Toronto for the first time since the pair signed with the Nashville Predators as free agents this past summer.
There's a lot on the line in this one, as the Leafs are looking to play catch-up with the Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins, all of whom currently sit ahead of them in the Atlantic Division standings. Coming off of a win on Thursday against Ottawa, the Leafs are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. For the Predators, they're currently riding a 3-game win streak, looking to make it 4 straight in Toronto. The Preds are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games.
With so much on the line in this game, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe appears to have made a very questionable roster decision that has left many in Leafs Nation scratching their heads. Keefe is opting to dress Ryan Reaves for this one over the younger, speedier Bobby McMann, who was actually returned to the Marlies (at least on paper) last night.
Reaves was on the ice for yet another goal against versus the Senators on Thursday, skating just over 7 minutes in the contest. It's been a common trend for Sheldon Keefe to utilize Reaves through only 2 periods, having him sit for almost the entirety of the 3rd period, double-shifting the likes of William Nylander, Calle Jarnkrok and others in his place in close games.
If Keefe has no intention of actually playing Reaves - and furthermore, if Reaves no longer has the legs or defensive capabilities to play a full 60 minutes, why is he even in the lineup? It sure hasn't been to protect his teammates. A very puzzling decision from Keefe here indeed.
| POLL | ||
9 DECEMBRE | 908 ANSWERS Leafs make puzzling roster decision that isn't sitting well with fans Do you think the Leafs should try to move Ryan Reaves to another team? | ||
| Yes, he has not been good | 527 | 58 % |
| No, it would be too costly | 177 | 19.5 % |
| Just healthy scratch him | 204 | 22.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
