Toronto Maple Leafs fans aren't gonna like this.
Vegas Golden Knights legend Ryan Reaves clarified his discussions with Mitch Marner and what was said on the Cam and Strick Podcast.
"I wasn't trying to draw him away from Toronto, I was just being honest to one of my boys.."
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) July 21, 2025
- Ryan Reaves
Reavo set the record straight regarding his Marner/Vegas comments from @CamandStrick: pic.twitter.com/DEU7p5eyo5
Now, Reaves talking to Marner about Las Vegas isn't new news, nor are his comments afterwards. It was well-established earlier in the month about how the newest San Jose Shark and Max Pacioretty discussed Las Vegas with the newest Golden Knights star.
"I wasn't trying to draw him away from Toronto. I was just being honest to one of my boys."Ryan Reaves on Mitch Marner
However, it seems that our friendly neighbors up north are losing it with allegations of tampering... even with the deal done almost a month ago.
Just look at the comments on Nick Alberga's post regarding the Reaves interview.
Have fun in San Jose, punk.
— Chamber of 32 Doors (@Chamber32Doors) July 21, 2025
We spend way too much time talking about 38 year old plug that hasn’t had a regular role since before covid.
— Tyler Durden’s dad bod (@shinermaginer) July 22, 2025
I think you full of it Revo and if you did your job that you were signed to do you would still be in Toronto
— Mikeo (@Mikeo0288796287) July 21, 2025
It's safe to say that Toronto Maple Leafs fans aren't big fans of Reaves. It's totally fair. He had a defined purpose as a fighter who said there was "for sure" more pressure in Toronto.
"Things were going really wrong and all of a sudden this whole city wanted me out and I don't think you see that in other organizations. It definitely is different, but it's nothing too crazy."Ryan Reaves
Meanwhile in Las Vegas, he's busy hitting dingers in the Battle 4 Vegas alongside Brock Bowers. Guess which city Marner chose in the end?
Ryan Reaves proves the point everyone made about Las Vegas being less hostile of a hockey city
Perhaps it's the fact that the Golden Knights aren't in a Stanley Cup drought that dates back to 1967. In fact, having a title in 2023 ends those worries completely. Maybe it's Las Vegas media being more lax and having less pressure on their players than a legacy hockey city.
Whatever the case, the comments prove one thing about Marner coming to Las Vegas. He's in good hands in his new city and will appreciate having less pressure on him. That's why he preferred Vegas and Metro Miami as his two destinations before free agency started.
But these comments also proved that Golden Knights fans appreciated Reaves's contributions as a player. He was a guy who took on all antagonists during his Golden Knights days, whether it was Evander Kane or someone from the Los Angeles Kings. Therefore, fans showed great appreciation for being a gritty fourth-liner who hit people.
That's something that Las Vegas should take in stride. They're more accommodating to quality players who want to join a winning franchise, whether it's with Vegas, Florida, or Tampa Bay.
As for the Maple Leafs? My condolences are with you guys. It's rough not having a Stanley Cup since the Lyndon B. Johnson era. Also, January 23rd will be a ton of fun. Get your popcorn ready because the Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights will entertain in every way possible.