Ryan Reaves’ Trade Deadline Frustration Fuels Tension with Maple Leafs
Ryan Reaves expressed his frustrations regarding his departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs as he prepared to face them with his new team, the San Jose Sharks. The veteran player reflected on his challenging tenure with the Leafs and the toll it took on him.
Reaves’ Trade Details
General Manager Brad Treliving traded Reaves to San Jose in exchange for young defenseman Henry Thrun. This transaction came as both parties agreed it was time to part ways after an inconsistent run with the Leafs.
- Trade Date: March 7, 2025
- Recipient Team: San Jose Sharks
- Acquired Player: Henry Thrun
Frustrations Regarding the Trade Deadline
Reaves candidly shared his feelings about how he was treated during the 2025 trade deadline. Treliving waived Reaves, which cleared roster space despite his contributions to the team. Although he served as a black ace during the postseason, he never played again for Toronto.
Reaves noted, “Just some upfront honesty of what was going on with my situation and the trade deadline thing was a little frustrating for me.” He emphasized that his experience was complicated and lacked transparency during critical moments.
Reflecting on His Time in Toronto
The 937-game veteran remarked on his bond with teammates like Auston Matthews and Max Domi, claiming the experience was generally positive. He stated, “I enjoyed my time here. It was a great experience. The guys I met on this team will hopefully be friends forever.”
Despite fond memories, Reaves felt the corporate environment in Toronto stifled his authenticity. He remarked, “It’s a little more corporate. You got people hovering over you all the time.” This contributed to his relief in settling down with the Sharks, where he finds more personal freedom.
Impact with the San Jose Sharks
Since joining the Sharks, Reaves has made a significant impact, scoring twice in 25 games—an improvement compared to his zero goals in 35 games with Toronto last season. He feels rejuvenated, noting, “I just feel a little bit more myself here.”
- Games Played: 25
- Goals Scored: 2
Reaves as a Team Leader
Former teammates and coaches have praised Reaves for his energy and leadership. Tyler Toffoli mentioned his ability to keep the morale up during tough times, while Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky called him “one of the better additions this summer.”
Looking Towards the Future
With his sights set on reaching 1,000 career games, Reaves feels optimistic about his journey. He shared, “Oh, man. I mean, I’d like to say I’m confident, but I guess that’s up to the big man up top.”
As he approaches his 938th game, Reaves remains focused on contributing to his new team while reflecting on lessons learned from his past experiences.
