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As he makes his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup, Ryan Reaves had plenty to say about his suspension, as well as comments made by the Oilers’ Darnell Nurse.

Ryan Reaves is back, and he has plenty to say in advance of his first game since returning from his lengthy suspension.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety threw the book at Reaves, who was suspended for five games for a hit on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse a few weeks back.

 

Nurse was not happy with how things went down, indicating Reaves knew exactly what he was doing when he made the hit, accusing Reaves of ill intent.

Reaves has finally been able to have his say on the suspension, and he let Nurse know in no uncertain terms that he has no plans to change the way he plays.

“The only truth that he spoke was, I go out there to inflict pain. That’s a fact, and that’s not going to stop. But I’m going to continue to do it legally. I’m going to keep playing hard, if not harder, now – and keep burying guys.”

As for the length of the suspension and having to forfeit $35,000 in the process, Reaves joked that he already told his kids there will be no Christmas this year.

Reporters also asked Reaves about his brother Jordan’s comments, who said Nurse would have been fine if he had kept his head up. Reaves said his brother loves Twitter wars and will always get the last word.

Reaves slotted in at practice on a line with Connor Dewar and Nikita Grebenkin, and is expected to be in the lineup when the Maple Leafs take on the Nashville Predators Wednesday night.