When veteran forward Ryan Reaves initially signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, brought in to provide toughness and energy, it was widely understood that his third season with the team would likely be challenging.
In the summer of 2023, General Manager Brad Treliving had initially preferred a two-year contract for the experienced fourth-line winger, known for his strong personality and battered knees. However, Reaves` then-current team, Minnesota, was also offering a similar term. To secure the free agent, Toronto needed to extend the term slightly and increase the compensation.
After spending significant, frustrating periods as a healthy scratch throughout both of his seasons north of the border, the 38-year-old, who had made a memorable, physical debut with the Leafs, was placed on waivers before the 2025 trade deadline. This move aimed to create roster space for younger, quicker depth forwards.
Following a career spanning 1,025 regular season and playoff games, a somewhat humbled Reaves was assigned to the AHL and diligently practiced with the Toronto Marlies.
“There aren`t many 38-year-olds down there. It`s not exactly suited for guys like me. But I did get more ice time than usual,” Reaves mentioned to Sportsnet during the playoffs. “Obviously, it wasn`t where I wanted to be, but I made use of the time.”
Considering Treliving`s recent smart signing of energetic forechecker Michael Pezzetta—anticipated to become a fan favorite—Reaves, who served as a `black ace` for the Leafs in May, would have entered training camp competing for a spot on Toronto`s fifth line.
Had Treliving not orchestrated Thursday night`s trade to acquire 24-year-old San Jose Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun, Reaves would have likely spent his third year buried in the Maple Leafs` minor league system.
“You could see the writing on the wall. You`re not playing. You`re not really part of things anymore,” Reaves stated. “It was tough, you know. I hadn`t played in the AHL for 15 years. It`s not somewhere I want to return to, but that`s just how the business works.”
“I`d rather be playing and contributing somewhere than just sitting around in limbo, doing nothing,” he added.
Although not a blockbuster deal, the trade involving Reaves and Thrun appears beneficial for all parties involved.
Treliving, who has made several astute smaller moves this summer while perhaps waiting for a bigger splash, facilitated a positive outcome for a player he respects. He helped Reaves move to a rebuilding team where the winger has a significantly better opportunity to make the roster, and to a location closer to his home in Las Vegas.
The young Sharks, more concerned about reaching the salary cap floor than hitting the ceiling, swapped a $1 million cap hit for a $1.39 million cap hit. They stand to gain from Reaves` experience and infectious energy. He`s known as a fun, engaging teammate who brings life to practices and is happy to share tips on fighting.
“We are excited to welcome Ryan to our organization,” Sharks GM Mike Grier commented. “He will bring energy, personality, physicality, and toughness to our group. He has been part of many successful teams, and I saw firsthand the positive impact he can have on a group when I was with the Rangers.”
By acquiring the six-foot-two, 210-pound Thrun, Toronto adds youth and defensive depth to its blue line.
A native of Southborough, Massachusetts, Thrun was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round in 2019. He won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Juniors in 2021 and—interestingly—scored his first NHL goal against the Maple Leafs in 2024.
Thrun will face tough competition to crack a healthy Leafs lineup and will likely be utilized in sheltered situations. However, he is a puck-moving defenseman (with 25 points in his first 119 NHL games) whose offensive potential is hopefully still developing.
He will provide healthy internal competition for defensemen like Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, and Dakota Mermis, and will be a valuable option when injuries inevitably occur.
Thrun is scheduled to become a restricted free agent with arbitration eligibility at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
And importantly, Treliving`s work is far from finished. Another trade is expected, and the Maple Leafs have just created additional salary cap space to facilitate future moves.
