Reaves sends message to Gudas before tonight's game.

Is Ryan Reaves singing a bit of a different tune now that the big day has arrived?

On Saturday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Anaheim Ducks in what will be something of an anticipated game given the recent history between some of the players on the ice. It was less than one year ago that Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, who at the time was a member of the Florida Panthers, created one of the most iconic photos to emerge from the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs when he screamed in the face of Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll.

It is a moment that is burned into the minds of many Leafs fans as it occurred in the same moment that the Maple Leafs were eliminated from playoff contention, and it is no doubt one that is also burned into the minds of many of the players that participated in that game.

It may have even been the pivotal moment that caused Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to go out and get a player like enforcer Ryan Reaves, feeling that his team was too soft during some of the season's most pivotal games.

Prior to the start of the regular season, during the Maple Leafs Golf Classic, Reaves was asked about the incident that occurred between Gudas and Woll and had some strong words for the Ducks defender:

"I hope he tries that," said Reaves when asked about the incident involving Gudas and Woll. "That would be interesting wouldn't it? That would be fun. I doubt there's gonna be any of that here."

Reaves will finally get the chance to face off against Gudas on Saturday night but, if you were hoping to see the Maple Leafs extract a measure of revenge, it doesn't sound like there are going to be any fireworks coming from the side of the Leafs if Reaves is to be believed.

"It’s not like I’m going after him (tonight), but I’ll have my eye on him," said Reaves on Saturday.