Ryan Reaves Adapted His Equipment After His Fight With Deslauriers

Fighting is having its moment in the NHL this year, as heavyweights are squaring up at center ice again, all inspired by up-and-coming fighter Matt Rempe. This has sparked other fighters to get into it on a more routine basis, and that is what happened between Ryan Reaves and Nicolas Deslauriers as they chose to square off at center ice.

Unfortunately for Reaves, he suffered an eye injury during the fight that forced him from the game. Now, Ryan Reaves has been spotted at practice wearing a new piece of protective equipment.

Reaves is one of the few players who is still eligible to go without wearing a visor, as he was grandfathered in when the rule was enacted. That is likely the main reason why he was so vocal about his hatred of wearing one since he never has during his career.

He will probably suck it up and wear it if it means he can keep his spot on the Leafs fourth line, though, as Reaves continues to battle for his spot in the lineup ahead of the playoffs. Head Coach Sheldon Keefe will have some interesting decisions to make about the Leafs' playoff lineup, not only for Ryan Reaves and the fourth line but also for the Leafs' blueline.

As seen on Blade of Steel - "Ryan Reaves makes major equipment change after fight with Deslauriers"