In professional ice hockey, placing a player on waivers means other teams have the opportunity to claim the player's contract. This is often done to free up salary cap space or to reassign a player to a minor league team. The NHL trade deadline is a specific time when teams can make trades to improve their roster for the remainder of the season. - The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed veteran forward Ryan Reaves on waivers. - The move is intended to create salary cap space for the Maple Leafs ahead of the NHL trade deadline. - Ryan Reaves, a 38-year-old right-wing, has recorded two assists in 35 games this season. - Waiving Reaves opens up $1.15 million in cap space for the Maple Leafs if he clears waivers. - Reaves' limited on-ice role and the team's need for cap flexibility contributed to the decision.