The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing potential lineup changes ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, with defenceman Chris Tanev possibly sidelined due to an upper-body injury. Tanev practiced on Friday but coach Craig Berube expressed doubt over his participation in Saturday's game. The atmosphere at practice was notably somber due to recent trades, including Connor Dewar and Conor Timmins being sent to Pittsburgh. Goalie Anthony Stolarz acknowledged the mixed emotions of acquiring new players while losing teammates.

In a roster shakeup, Ryan Reaves has cleared waivers and will be playing with the AHL Marlies. This decision helps free up salary cap space for the recent acquisitions of defenceman Brandon Carlo from Boston and center Scott Laughton from Philadelphia. General manager Brad Treliving called the conversation with Reaves about waivers challenging, but emphasized that it isn’t a permanent goodbye as they hope to bring him back for the playoffs.

The NHL trade deadline has sparked significant movement as teams scramble to bolster their rosters for the playoff push. Among the notable moves, the Ottawa Senators have acquired center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres, sending Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker in the opposite direction. Cozens, with 31 points this season, adds depth to a Senators team contending for a wild-card spot.

Meanwhile, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been placed on waivers, potentially freeing up critical cap space. The Leafs face high prices in the trade market, raising questions about GM Brad Treliving's strategy.

In a surprising turn, the Colorado Avalanche secured Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders, a player previously linked to the Leafs. This moves comes as the Avalanche bolster their offensive line ahead of the playoffs.

The NHL trade deadline is approaching, marking the end of the season for many players as they face potential waiver placements. The Pittsburgh Penguins have opted not to make any waiver claims, but did place several players on waivers, including Matt Nieto, who is now with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Former Penguins player Jesse Puljujarvi has found a new home with the Florida Panthers after being placed on waivers earlier. He recently signed a two-way deal and is currently on loan to the Charlotte Checkers, where he has tallied three assists in seven games. Additionally, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs is now available after being placed on waivers, having contributed two assists and 35 penalty minutes this season.

The Boston Bruins and Brad Marchand are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding a potential contract extension, with a trade still on the table, but teams are reportedly being told 'no' for now. Chris Johnston commented that Marchand is likely to be moved to a Western Conference team, although no confirmation exists as of yet. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders have received substantial offers for Brock Nelson, including a first-round pick, while contemplating contract offers for him and Kyle Palmieri. Additionally, Ryan Reaves has been placed on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs to create cap space ahead of the trade deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant roster move by placing veteran right winger Ryan Reaves on waivers, creating cap space for potential trades. Reaves' underwhelming performance, with only two assists in 35 games this season, led to his status as a healthy scratch. This decision reflects the team's foresight in signing him to a three-year deal at 37 years of age, an investment that was always seen as a gamble. The Leafs seem to be preparing for more impactful acquisitions, and this move mirrors their past with enforcer Kyle Clifford, who similarly found himself buried in the AHL after limited contributions.

Reaves, known more for his fighting ability than his scoring, has not adapted well to the modern NHL's pace and skill demands. The likelihood of his contract being offloaded to the AHL signifies a strategic pivot for the Leafs, as they continue to refine their roster for a playoff push. The landscape for traditional enforcers is shrinking, making Reaves' waiver placement a telling sign of the evolving game.