We’re all good: 2 Toronto Maple Leaf players anounces their departure shortly after a…

Reaves had his own crowd-pleasing bout Thursday, ending up on top of Arizona’s Liam O’Brien after the Coyotes were belting a couple of his teammates. Reaves, who flexed his bicep in celebration en route to the penalty box, was asked about a possible run-in with the 21-year-old Rempe with the backdrop of a Hockey Night in Canada telecast.

“I don’t have the game script, but you never know,” was the mischievous reply.

 

Reaves did say Rempe’s reach would be a challenge, but nothing he hasn’t encountered before. He was certainly ready when O’Brien stalked him.

 

“I like to fight calm. Some guys like to amp themselves up, but those are my worst fights when I want to kill somebody. You have to be calm and see the fight. But I don’t go into any game thinking ‘I’m fighting for sure tomorrow.’

 

“Sleeping after a fight is the worst. The adrenalin, not so much the pain. (Fighting) can be gruelling, especially if you haven’t done it very often, then three back-to-back-to-back. It takes its toll.

Defencemen Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins have not rejoined the main practice group, though newcomer Ilya Lyubushkin is expected to move right into Saturday’s lineup. Head coach Sheldon Keefe would not rule out Liljegren returning from his undisclosed injury.

 

Winger Calle Jarnkrok practiced part of Friday on the third line with John Tavares, just about ready to return from breaking a knuckle early last month, which could see Nick Robertson bumped from that unit with Bobby McMann.

 

“They’ve played well in the minutes (Jarnkrok) left, but you do miss him,” Keefe said. “He does provide a lot for our group with his versality, special teams, 5-on-5, he moves up the lineup. When he comes back there’ll be tough decisions.”