Just days after veteran right winger Ryan Reaves called out some Toronto Maple Leafs fans for his or her criticism of star forward Mitch Marner — recently landed on the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade after spending nine years together with his hometown team — he’s heading elsewhere as well. The team is sending the 38-year-old to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Henry Thrun, via the Leafs’ X account.
Reaves has one 12 months and $1.35 million left on his contract, so Toronto will gain just a little financial flexibility because it continues to maneuver through free agency. Center Jack Roslovic is reportedly on the squad’s radar, and this transaction could potentially enable general manager Brad Treliving to shut a deal within the near future. Beyond cap space, the Maple Leafs are clearly intent on changing the culture of this franchise. They part ways with their aging enforcer and infuse additional youth into the roster.
Where Maple Leafs and Sharks stand after trade
Reaves recorded just two assists last season and didn’t rating a goal in 35 games. Toronto demoted him to the AHL and didn’t call upon him through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He doesn’t have much hockey left to offer a scrutinized squad that is predicted to reverse its postseason misfortunes, however the 2005 fifth-round draft pick could add value to the rebuilding Sharks.
He can bring physicality and copious experience to a company that has only 61 wins combined within the last three seasons. Ryan Reaves has logged 915 games in his 15-year NHL profession, and San Jose could afford him the chance to inch closer to the illustrious 1,000 club. Meanwhile, the Leafs are hoping their recent addition can assist them undergo a real identity shift.
Thrun posted 10 assists, two goals, 66 blocks, 43 hits and a -23 plus-minus with the Sharks through the 2024-25 campaign. He continues to be acclimating himself to a daily role, so Toronto needs to be patient. His continued development is clearly necessary, but this trade is seemingly about shaking up the roster and facilitating a future arrival. If it was not obvious after Marner’s exit, the Maple Leafs are committed to putting the past behind them.
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