TORONTO – When veteran forward Ryan Reaves originally signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, brought in to add physicality and a strong voice, it was widely understood that his third year with the club would likely present challenges.
In the summer of 2023, General Manager Brad Treliving initially aimed to sign the charismatic fourth-line winger, who dealt with chronic knee issues, to a two-year contract. However, Reaves` team at the time, Minnesota, was prepared to match that term. Toronto ultimately needed to offer slightly more money and commit for an extra year to successfully acquire him as a free agent.
Following extended, difficult periods where Reaves was a healthy scratch during both of his seasons north of the border, the 38-year-old – who arrived with significant initial impact, including flexing and fighting in his Leafs debut – was placed on waivers before the 2025 trade deadline to create roster flexibility for younger, faster depth players.
After a career spanning 1,025 regular season and playoff games in the NHL, a somewhat humbled Reaves was assigned to the AHL, where he dutifully skated with the Toronto Marlies.
“There aren’t many 38-year-olds playing there, so it wasn`t really designed for guys like me. But I did get more ice time than I typically would,” Reaves shared during the playoffs. “It was clearly not where I wanted to be, but I used the time effectively.”
Considering Treliving`s recent smart signing of tenacious forechecker Michael Pezzetta – already expected to become a fan favorite – Reaves, who was a `black ace` during the Leafs` playoff run in May, would have likely been competing for a spot on the fifth line entering training camp.
Had Treliving not completed Thursday night`s trade, acquiring 24-year-old San Jose Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun in exchange, Reaves would have faced spending his entire third season deep in the Toronto minors.
“You could see the direction things were heading. You aren`t playing, you`re not truly integrated anymore,” Reaves commented. “It was difficult. I hadn’t played in the AHL for 15 years. It’s not somewhere I was eager to go back to, but that`s just the reality of the profession.
“I much prefer playing and being an active part of a team rather than simply being in uncertainty and inactive.”
While not a major, blockbuster deal, the trade involving Reaves and Thrun appears to offer benefits for all parties involved.
Treliving, who has made several shrewd, smaller moves this summer while anticipation builds for a bigger splash, treated a player he respects well by facilitating this move. He sent Reaves to a rebuilding Sharks team where he has a significantly better chance of playing regularly, and to a city geographically closer to his home in Las Vegas.
The young Sharks, whose roster focus is currently closer to the salary cap floor than its ceiling, exchanged a $1 million cap hit for one of $1.39 million. They should gain from Reaves` experience and positive energy. He is known as a fun, engaging teammate who brings life to practice sessions and is happy to offer advice on physical play.
“We are excited to have Ryan join our organization,” stated Sharks GM Mike Grier.
“He will provide energy, personality, physical presence, and toughness to our group. He has been a part of many successful teams, and I personally saw the positive influence he can have on a team during my time with the Rangers.”
By acquiring the six-foot-two, 210-pound Thrun, Toronto adds youth and enhances their defensive depth.
A native of Southborough, Massachusetts, Thrun was drafted in the fourth round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2019. He won a World Junior gold medal with Team USA in 2021 and, interestingly, scored his first NHL goal against the Maple Leafs in 2024.
Thrun may face challenges securing a consistent spot in a fully healthy Leafs defensive corps and will likely be used in more protected situations. However, he is a capable puck-moving defenseman who has recorded 25 points in his first 119 NHL games, suggesting his offensive development may continue.
He will provide healthy internal competition for defensemen like Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, and Dakota Mermis, serving as a valuable option when injuries inevitably impact the lineup.
Thrun is scheduled to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
And importantly: Treliving`s roster moves are likely not finished.
Another trade is anticipated, and the Maple Leafs have just cleared additional salary cap space, making it easier to complete.
Duncan Priestley