Ryan Reaves' Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs All But Confirmed by NHL Insider

Ryan Reaves was signed to a three-year deal worth $1.35 million per season before the 2023-24 campaign. It was a desperate move from general manager Brad Treliving, who wanted to add some size and grit to the lineup.

There was no one to protect the Core Four, and an enforcer of Reaves' stature was considered the right move to get this team where it needed to be.

Unfortunately, this move did not work out as planned for the Leafs. The enforcer only played 35 games last season, and he was even put on waivers at the trade deadline.

As it stands, the Leafs are trying to figure out what to do this offseason with some of their dead weight. Reaves has another season left on his deal, and that money could be put to good use.

A new report from Elliotte Friedman suggests the Leafs are thinking about buyouts, and that means Ryan Reaves should be a bit nervous about his fate.

David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok are two other Leafs players who may be subjected to being bought out. After all, their offensive output has been abysmal.

As for Reaves, at 38 years old, he may just have to retire from the game of hockey completely. There aren't too many teams out there who would be interested in signing him.

Hockey can be a cruel beast, and when you start to get up there in age, that becomes especially true.

Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs keep Reaves or decide to let him go as this team seeks out some offensive talent.