Ryan Reaves is a player who shouldn’t be bothered on the ice, but also in the dugout. He has already expressed his thoughts to head coach Ken Hitchcock.
A few years ago, while wearing a St. Louis Blues uniform, the hitter was reprimanded by the instructor for repeatedly losing the ball. On an episode of the “Missin’ Curfew” podcast, Reaves explained that he turned the other cheek twice, but he exploded on Hitchcock’s third comment.
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“I turned around, grabbed him by the tie and said, ‘If you don’t shut up, I’m going to strangle you with this tie,'” he said with a laugh, explaining that the anger was clearly visible on his face.
Apparently he was called to order the next day of training by assistant coach Mike Yeo, who advised him to apologize to Hitchcock immediately. In his office, Reaves appeared remorseful, but the coach immediately reassured him.
“But what are you talking about? “Don’t worry about it,” Hitchcock responded, according to the 36-year-old veteran.
All’s well that ends well for Reaves. However, let’s assume that it is not recommended for anyone to take such a step. Now that he’s with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s Sheldon Keefe who has to walk on eggshells with the sturdy right winger.