July 4, 2024
This Saturday night, the 6-foot-7 Calgarian Matt Rempe will be in Toronto. In six games, he has scored two points, racked up 32 penalty minutes, engaged in three fights, and been ejected for an illegal check to the head. He’s either getting beaten up or bashing someone up while soaking up the attention that comes with his retro Slap Shot antics.

Ryan Reaves, a 36-year-old bodyguard for the Leafs, said, “You see all the highlights, he’s coming in trying to make a name for himself any way he can.” That’s how I entered. I was called up to be physical, support teammates, and provide some energy rather than to contribute scoring touches. Well done, he’s receiving some attention. Let’s see how long it continues for.

s, engaged in three fights, and been ejected for an illegal check to the head. He’s either getting beaten up or bashing someone up while soaking up the attention that comes with his retro Slap Shot antics.

Ryan Reaves, a 36-year-old bodyguard for the Leafs, said, “You see all the highlights, he’s coming in trying to make a name for himself any way he can.” That’s how I entered. I was called up to be physical, support teammates, and provide some energy rather than to contribute scoring touches. Well done, he’s receiving some attention. Let’s see how long it continues for.

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.”

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