Maple Leafs’ Ryan Reaves addresses fight with Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj

When questioned about his fight with Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in the season-opening game on Wednesday night, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves didn’t hold back.

On Friday, Reaves told reporters, “I don’t like getting jumped. “I doubt that I’ve ever actually jumped anyone. Ask me if you want to fight. “.

Midway through the opening frame of Wednesday night’s game, Reaves hit Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle hard on a forecheck, which prompted Xhekaj to strike back. The 22-year-old blueliner dropped his gloves right away, and the two exchanged shots for a short period of time before Reaves was forced into the goal.

Reaves didn’t think twice when asked if he wanted to face Xhekaj again.

They are played twice more.
“.

As he hadn’t fought since having season-ending shoulder surgery in February of last year, Xhekaj told reporters on Thursday that he thought the match was good for his confidence.

Xhekaj stated, “The guy obviously threw a couple big hits, and I just wanted to stick up for my teammates.”.
Unquestionably pleased with my demeanor. “.

March 9 and April 6 will be the dates of the remaining two contests between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens in 2023–24.
Montreal is the location of both contests.

On July 1, Reaves, 36, agreed to a three-year deal with the Maple Leafs.
He has 1,028 penalty minutes, 129 points, and 59 goals in 829 NHL games over the course of his career.
In his NHL career, he has fought in 82 fights.

Reaves finished the previous season with 15 points on the strength of five goals, ten assists, and seven major fighting penalties.

In his second NHL season, 22-year-old Xhekaj. In 51 games in 2022–23, he recorded five goals, eight assists, and 13 points while accruing 101 penalty minutes.
In his NHL career, Xhekaj has racked up 10 fighting majors.