Ryan Reaves aimed to engage in a fight with Arber Xhekaj during a recent game, only for Xhekaj to point to the scoreboard, which favored the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 at that moment. However, as the game progressed, the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied to win 7-3. Post-game, Reaves reflected on the incident, suggesting that Xhekaj's actions had consequences, particularly for a younger player challenging someone with his experience. This interaction has sparked discussions across social media platforms, showing the dynamics of respect and the unwritten rules in hockey.

Reaves hasn't fought in a regular season game since April 2024 and noted a lack of opportunities lately, citing the absence of willing opponents in recent matchups. Despite this, he remains confident in his fighting abilities, relying on muscle memory from his extensive experience in the league.