Ryan Reaves breaks the rules in first Marlies’ game!

On trade deadline day, veteran forward Ryan Reaves cleared waivers and the Maple Leafs loaned him to the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League. He took his sweet time to join the team and only started practicing with his new club on March 25th.

Finally on Wednesday, Reaves was ready for his first Marlies’ game in the AHL, suiting up for a themed School Day Game against the Utica Comets. The veteran forward did not record a point in the contest, nor was he sent to the penalty minutes, though he still managed to start trending on social media.

Reaves broke the rules in his first game with the Marlies as he made sure to bend them his way when it comes to sporting a visor. In the AHL, all players are required to wear a CSA-approved helmet with a CSA-certified facial protector (visor) securely attached. This rule has been in place since the 2006-07 season. Reaves, who is one of the few players in the NHL to go without a visor, played with the protector on top of his helmet, his own personal interpretation of the rule,

No word on whether Reaves will be given a fine or a warning for his interpretation of the visor, or even if he’ll end up starting a new trend in the AHL.

The Comets came out on top, winning the game 2-1 in overtime. Reaves, who went pointless, still managed to ice the rival goalie and get involved in a scrum in his first Marlies’ game.

Before being loaned to the Marlies, Reaves had put up two assists in 35 games this season with the Leafs. If Toronto wants to call him back up, a player would need to be placed on long-term injured reserve seeing that the club currently has $195,332 in available cap space, per Puck Pedia. Reaves has a $1.35 million salary.

And so for now, Reaves will remain in the AHL until the NHL playoffs, once the salary cap no longer exists. However, Reaves will not to do better with the Marlies to earn a spot back with the Leafs.