The rivalry between Ryan Reaves and Evander Kane isn’t just another NHL feud; it’s personal, long-standing, and still burning hot. Known for their physical, bruising style of play, the two have clashed multiple times over the years, most notably during their stints with the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks.
But it’s more than just hits and fights; it’s become a war of words. Now, Reaves has taken things to another level, ripping Kane on the Cam and Strick podcast, essentially calling him all bark and no bite, accusing him of dodging fights while spreading false narratives.
Ryan Reaves Blasts Evander Kane, Reigniting One of the NHL’s Most Personal Rivalries
Some rivalries in the NHL come and go. Others, like the one between Reaves and Kane, seem to only get more intense with time. Known as two of the league’s most physical players, Reaves and Kane have a long-standing dislike for each other, and it doesn’t sound like that’s changing anytime soon.
Reaves, now with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recently appeared on the “Cam and Strick Podcast” and made it clear that his feud with Kane is still very real.
“It is real. I don’t think that’s ever something that’s going to change,” he said.
He described Kane as someone who talks a big game but rarely follows through when it matters. According to Reaves, Kane has spent years saying he would “kill” him in a fight, but then avoids squaring off unless officials are around to break things up quickly.
Reaves also called Kane out for spreading what he says are false claims, that Kane asked him to fight, and that Reaves turned him down.
“I’ve been chasing you down for six years,” Reaves said. “And now suddenly I don’t want to fight you? Come on.”
Their most memorable showdown happened during the 2019 playoffs. In Game 3 of the first-round series between the Sharks and Golden Knights, the two decided to go at it in a much-anticipated fight.
Reaves appeared to get the better of Kane in that bout, further fueling the rivalry.
Evander Kane and Ryan Reaves finally fight after chirping all night pic.twitter.com/Rla9W0ktX4
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 15, 2019
Kane, for his part, has also taken shots at Reaves in the past. After one of Reaves’ controversial hits, Kane joked that the league shouldn’t suspend him, they should “make him play 20 minutes a night” because, in Kane’s view, Reaves wasn’t helping his team. It was a harsh dig, implying that Reaves is more of a liability than an asset on the ice.
Instead of a suspension they should have to play him 20 minutes a night for the rest of the series 😂
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) May 31, 2021
Reaves, meanwhile, has faced several suspensions throughout his career for aggressive play. He’s known for setting a physical tone early in games, sometimes drawing criticism or punishment from the league. Opposing teams have learned to expect a hard-hitting presence when Reaves is in the lineup, especially when tensions are already high.
Nurse is a cry baby! He is only tough when a player has his back to him.
Reaves is a useless Turd
I know eh, lol
The difference here is, Kane can play hockey as well as fight. I don’t dislike Reaves by any means. But Kane has way more skill than Reaves. I dunno about Kane dodging fights or not?? But I can’t see Kane backing down. But I could be wrong.