Georges Laraque is an enforcer legend in the NHL, and when he speaks his mind about violence and physical players in the league, you should listen.
Now, the former NHLer has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to publicly slam the Toronto Maple Leafs’ tough guy Ryan Reaves and the Montreal Canadiens’ decision not to play Arber Xhekaj.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs played the Montreal Canadiens earlier this season, Reaves had a tough time dropping the gloves with Arber Xhekaj.
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 9: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on against the Nashville Predators during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on December 9, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
On social media, Georges Laraque, a former Montreal Canadien, criticized Montreal for not having Xhekaj in the lineup, especially with Reaves as an opponent.
He also slammed Reaves for his performance during the teams’ meeting earlier this season.
”For those who were wondering the importance of Xhekaj in the lineup, I hope you understand after yesterday’s game against Toronto. Go watch the previous match between the 2 teams when Xhekaj played, Reaves was invisible, and yesterday he was driving everyone crazy! While the cat’s away the mice will play!!!” Laraque said on X.
2002 Season: Georges Laraque. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
”Just so you know, ill explain something to you plain and simple. When you play your first game in Toronto after signing a 3 year deal, in front of your fans, you play rival team like Montreal. You’re supposed to be the #1 heavyweight in the NHL, when a guy makes you look bad in a fight, because Xhekaj did made him look bad, you go again, not the next game, the same game. Xhekaj has nothing to prove!” he said.
