In a move that sees a veteran presence head west and defensive youth arrive in Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs have completed a trade with the San Jose Sharks. The Maple Leafs announced Thursday they have acquired defenceman Henry Thrun from the Sharks in exchange for forward Ryan Reaves.
Analyzing the Exchange
The core of this transaction sees two very different players changing jerseys. Toronto adds a younger, promising blueliner, while San Jose gains a seasoned, physical forward known more for his presence and toughness than his statistical output. This swap appears to address specific needs for both organizations as they navigate different phases – Toronto aiming to solidify its roster for contention and San Jose continuing its rebuild.
Ryan Reaves: A Brief Leafs Stop, a New Shark Role
Ryan Reaves` time with the Maple Leafs concludes after two seasons. The 38-year-old forward, known universally as a heavyweight and vocal leader, played 84 games total for Toronto. In the 2024-25 season, his contributions were limited to two assists over 35 games. His on-ice impact was primarily felt through physical play and penalty minutes, a role he executed with characteristic enthusiasm, if not offensive flair.
San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier expressed clear intentions for Reaves` role in San Jose. Grier stated Reaves is expected to bring “energy, personality, physical play and toughness” to the team. Having worked with Reaves previously during his time with the New York Rangers, Grier highlighted the “positive impact he can bring to a group,” suggesting Reaves will be valued for his veteran leadership and ability to alter the game`s physical tone, perhaps providing some much-needed snarl to a younger roster. His offensive numbers in San Jose might not rival those of, say, a prime Joe Thornton, but that`s hardly the point, is it?
Henry Thrun: Defensive Depth for Toronto
Coming to Toronto is 24-year-old defenceman Henry Thrun. A left-shot blueliner, Thrun played 60 games for the Sharks last season, posting two goals and ten assists for a total of 12 points. He averaged 17:31 of ice time per game, indicating he was a regular fixture on the Sharks` defence corps.
Thrun was originally a fourth-round selection by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft before being traded to San Jose in 2023. He has accumulated 119 career NHL games, registering five goals and 20 assists for 25 points. His arrival in Toronto provides additional depth and competition on the left side of the defence, offering a younger option with significant recent NHL experience looking to establish himself further. Toronto`s hope, one presumes, is that his point production trends upwards from the Reaves exchange rate.
Implications for Both Sides
This trade is a straightforward player-for-player swap addressing differing organizational priorities. Toronto adds a defenceman who can potentially step into a regular role and contribute over the coming seasons. San Jose brings in a high-character veteran who can influence the team`s culture and physicality, a move perhaps aimed at making the Sharks a slightly less pleasant team to play against while their young core develops. It`s a classic case of trading current, specific veteran attributes for future potential and positional need.