I've said it before, and I'll say it again - having Reaves in the lineup didn't stop the Bruins from taking liberties with the Leafs last spring, and it won't stop anyone from doing the same this coming spring. The guys who have a tendency to deliver cheap shots will keep delivering cheap shots, knowing that they can goad Reaves into taking dumb penalties. They know he can't catch up to any of their star players - and, they also know, if he's on the ice against those guys, their team will tilt the ice against the Leafs.
If I were facing the Leafs, I'd want them to dress Reaves. I'd be happy to see them waste a roster spot on a guy who doesn't contribute offensively, is ineffective on the forecheck due to his poor skating, and struggles defensively. You don't negate the Bennett's of the league by playing Reaves. You do it by getting them to put more energy into their sideshow antics instead of the ways they can actually contribute to their team's success. You have them take the dumb penalties. You have them running around like a loose cannon. You get them off their game and make them a distraction instead of an effective pest. You get under their skin instead of letting them get under yours. You don't waste a spot in the lineup on a guy who doesn't contribute anything in his 8 minutes of ice time.