Trade pitch sends Maple Leafs' Ryan Reaves to the Chicago Blackhawks

This latest idea joins a slew of speculative trades involving the Leafs, especially in light of recent fan-driven trade discussions following the loss of CapFriendly to the Washington Capitals.

Ryan Reaves, renowned for his aggressive playstyle, has experienced a varied NHL career. After periods with the St. Louis Blues and the Vegas Golden Knights, he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of last season. Despite his reputation as a physical player, Reaves has struggled with production, contributing in 49 games during the 2023-24 season. His lack of scoring has raised questions about his fit with the Leafs, making him a candidate for potential trade.

At 37 years old, Reaves carries a cap hit of $1.35 million and is under contract until 2026. Trading him could allow the Leafs to acquire a prospect and possibly free up space for future acquisitions. The Chicago Blackhawks, with their significant cap space, might see value in adding Reaves' experience and grit for a short-term period. However, the impact of Reaves on the Blackhawks' roster and whether this trade would be worthwhile is debatable.

While Toronto Maple Leafs fans may be keen to part with Reaves, executing this trade could be more complex than it appears. The proposed 5th-round pick might not be enticing enough for the Leafs, and Reaves' role as a short-term enforcer may not offer long-term benefits for the Blackhawks. The practicality of this trade remains in question, despite its speculative appeal.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Who benefits more from this Ryan Reaves trade?