Ryan Reaves Reveals Health Struggles, Hints at Potential End of Career

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant move in the past off-season by signing enforcer Ryan Reaves to a three-year contract during free agency.

This decision was met with a mixed response, as fans and media generally agreed that the team had successfully added some much-needed toughness. However, there was a prevailing opinion that the Maple Leafs might have overpaid for this addition.

Concerns were also raised about Reaves' age, as he was already 36 at the start of the season. This factor contributed to a sense of cautious optimism mixed with worry about his potential impact on the team.

Reaves' tenure with the Maple Leafs has been challenging. He has not been able to play since sustaining a knee injury during a game on December 14th. Contrary to some beliefs, Reaves had been dealing with knee problems for a while.

In a recent interview with Sportsnet, he revealed his readiness to return to play but also expressed concerns about his health.

He admitted that his knees are quite 'loose' and that he cannot skate or function effectively without wearing knee braces.

Having been out of the lineup for over a month, with most of that time being physically capable of playing, questions arise about Reaves' future in the sport. Given his ongoing knee issues, there is speculation about when he might consider retirement, a decision that seems likely to be made sooner rather than later.

Further insights into Reaves' health and thoughts on his career can be found in a tweet from a source closely following the situation:

As Read on BladeofSteel - Ryan Reaves makes confession about his health, possible his career could be almost over