Auston Matthews shares his real opinion on Ryan Reaves

PUBLICATION

Dawson McKenzie
April 7, 2024 (3:19 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking like a new team this year, and with the new addition Ryan Reaves, they have a new swagger. Auston Matthews recently shared his thoughts on the matter.

Everyone has criticized the Toronto Maple Leafs in the past for being a soft team that gets taken advantage of in the playoffs. They look like a different team, though, this year, headlined by Ryan Reaves on the fourth line. Reaves has been showing that the Leafs aren't going to be pushed around this year, dropping the gloves in a number of his recent games.

While some fans might argue over the value that this adds to team chemistry and energy, Auston Matthews has repeatedly stated how much this play means to the team. He recently re-emphasized how important it was in an interview when he had this to say about Reaves.

"He's just an animal, honestly, he's a beast," admitted Matthews on Saturday. "And like I said, I think it's moments like those where you really realize how important he is to the team and what he brings on the ice as well as off the ice. So I thought, like I said, a couple games ago or last week he's been playing some incredible hockey for us as a late and peaking at a really good time. So it's been great to see."

What is even better for Leaf fans is the fact that Reaves is also playing well enough to earn his time on the ice with the fourth line. The Leafs have had their share of enforcers in the past, however, those enforcers rarely got into the lineup, let alone on the ice throughout the game.

This year's Leafs team features gritty players up and down the lineup, meaning that at any moment in the game, there is someone who could drop the gloves to stand up for their teammate. Players like Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi, Jake McCabe, and Simon Benoit have all dropped the gloves this year. Even Mark Giordano and Matthew Knies have gotten into the mix.

This year's Leafs team looks to be embracing their new look right at the right time, as the post-season looms.

As seen on Hockey Feed - Auston Matthews sounds off on teammate Ryan Reaves.