Making his first AHL appearance since 2011, Reaves finished with 0 points, 0 shots, 0 PIM, and a 0 +/-, as the team fell 2-1 in OT to the Utica Comets. Reaves started on the second line alongside centreman Jacob Quillan and winger Alex Nylander, neither of whom registered a point, but combined for four shots.

Since early last week, Reaves has been training with the Marlies and is reportedly in good spirits as he works on his game and takes advantage of some extra minutes with the hopes of finding his way back to the Leafs roster. The longtime NHLer may also have an upside for the Marlies, bringing veteran presence as they push towards the Calder Cup playoffs.

Reaves signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent on July 1st, 2023. His last match in the NHL came on March 2nd against the Pittsburgh Penguins, when he played just under 10 minutes and otherwise put up zeros across the board. With cap space needed ahead of the trade deadline, he was the clear odd man out with only two points in 35 games played, while also receiving criticism all season for failing to live up to his role as an enforcer.

The 38-year-old was placed on waivers on March 6th and ultimately cleared the next day, assigning him to the Marlies. The Leafs used the extra cap space for the deadline acquisitions of Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton.

With seven games remaining in the Marlies’ regular season schedule, time is running out for Reaves to prove he has any value for the Maple Leafs heading into this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. While Reaves’ physical presence and veteran experience can be key in the postseason, he needs to show he can contribute in different areas to make a call-up worth their while. And with one year left on his contract, how this season plays out may determine where we see him start come October as well.

Here are some highlights from Reaves’ debut, starting with snowing the Comets’ goalie late in the first: