In a transaction announced on July 10, 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks completed a one-for-one player exchange. The Maple Leafs sent forward Ryan Reaves to San Jose, receiving defenseman Henry Thrun in return. This move sees a veteran physical presence traded for a younger blueliner, potentially addressing different needs for both franchises as the future season approaches.
The Departure of Ryan Reaves
Ryan Reaves, 38 at the time of the trade, concludes his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs after two seasons. Known primarily for his physicality, energy, and veteran presence, Reaves played 84 games for the Maple Leafs during this period. His 2024-25 season saw him appear in 35 games, registering two assists. While his offensive output has never been the focus of his game, Reaves was brought into Toronto to add a dimension of toughness and deterrent capability, a role he performed with varying degrees of impact.
San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier commented on the acquisition, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Ryan to the organization. He will bring energy, personality, physical play and toughness to our group. He has been a part of many winning teams, and I witnessed firsthand the positive impact he can bring to a group when I was with the Rangers.” It appears the Sharks are prioritizing adding character and a demanding presence to their lineup, perhaps seeking to change the team`s on-ice identity or provide mentorship to a younger roster. Securing a 38-year-old forward primarily for “personality” is certainly a… *strategic* play.
Arrival of Henry Thrun in Toronto
Coming to Toronto is Henry Thrun, a 24-year-old defenseman. Thrun spent last season with the Sharks, playing in 60 games. During that time, he recorded two goals and 12 points, averaging 17 minutes and 31 seconds of ice time per game. A former fourth-round pick by the Anaheim Ducks in 2019, Thrun`s rights were traded to the Sharks in 2023. In his relatively young NHL career, he has appeared in 119 games, accumulating five goals and 25 points.
For the Maple Leafs, acquiring Thrun brings a younger, potentially more mobile defenseman into their system. While not a top-pairing player currently, his experience (119 NHL games is not insignificant) and point production suggest an ability to contribute offensively from the blueline, or at least handle puck-moving responsibilities. This acquisition could be viewed as a depth move with upside, providing a different skillset compared to some of Toronto`s existing defensive options and representing a shift towards a younger demographic on the backend.
Analyzing the Exchange
This trade represents a classic hockey swap of needs and timelines. The San Jose Sharks, largely seen as a team undergoing a rebuild, acquire a veteran figure known for leadership and toughness, perhaps more for his presence and character than on-ice statistics at this stage of his career. It`s a move that adds a specific element to their dressing room, even if short-term.
Conversely, the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team consistently aiming for deep playoff runs, acquire a younger defenseman with NHL experience. Thrun provides defensive depth and potential for future development at a position where reliable options are always valuable. This trade seems to align with a strategy of adding cost-controlled assets with room to grow, rather than retaining a veteran forward whose primary role was limited minutes and physical engagement.
Ultimately, this transaction sees two teams exchange players with distinctly different profiles. San Jose adds a significant dose of veteran “personality” and physical presence, while Toronto bolsters its defensive depth with a younger player hoping to solidify a full-time NHL role. Time will tell which team benefits more from this July 2025 roster adjustment.
Tristan Blackwood