In a move no one saw coming, the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks pulled off a major surprise on July 11, 2025 — swapping players in a Reaves Thrun trade, which involved players with totally different styles and timelines in mind.
Ryan Reaves, the veteran forward known for his muscle and locker room presence, is heading west to join the Sharks.
And in return, the Leafs are getting young defenseman Henry Thrun, who’s known for his puck-moving skills and big-game potential.
This isn’t just a trade — it’s a statement.
What Each Team Gets
San Jose Sharks: Grit & Leadership
Ryan Reaves may be 38, but he’s still one of the NHL’s toughest competitors. With 900+ NHL games under his belt, he brings:
- Strong physical play
- Veteran leadership
- A fierce attitude that energizes teammates
According to Sharks GM Mike Grier, Reaves will “bring energy, toughness and a presence on and off the ice” — exactly what San Jose needs as it rebuilds (click here to read full NHL statement).
“He’s not just muscle — he’s mentorship in skates.”
Toronto Maple Leafs: Youth & Blue-Line Depth
Henry Thrun, just 24, had a breakout season with the Sharks. At 6’2″, he’s a smooth-skating defenseman who:
- Moves the puck well
- Thinks the game at a high level
- Still has room to grow
This trade gives Toronto a valuable boost on defense — and some welcome salary cap relief.
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Quick Player Stats
| Player | Age | 2024-25 Season Stats | What They Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Reaves | 38 | 35 GP, 2 A, 28 PIM | Toughness, veteran edge |
| Henry Thrun | 24 | 60 GP, 2 G, 10 A, +6 rating | Youthful mobility, D-depth |
(GP = Games Played, A = Assists, G = Goals, PIM = Penalty Minutes)
Why This Trade Matters
This isn’t just about players — it’s about philosophy.
Toronto has been under pressure to evolve. While fans loved Reaves’ energy, there were concerns about his $1.35 million contract and limited ice time. Thrun, on the other hand, earns just under $1 million and offers flexibility for the team’s future.
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Meanwhile, San Jose picks up a true character player — one who can set a tone on and off the ice while their younger stars develop.
See ESPN’s full trade report here
Fan Reactions Are Already Pouring In
Reddit, Twitter, and NHL fan forums lit up moments after the deal:
Some Leafs fans say:
“Finally, some cap space and blue-line help.”
Some Sharks fans shout:
“We needed some grit. Reaves brings the punch — literally.”
Even analysts are weighing in. One NHL insider told Sportskeeda:
“This move shows the Leafs are focusing less on ‘tough guys’ and more on smart puck play.”
What This Means Moving Forward
This trade changes things — not just on the bench, but in the locker room:
For Toronto:
- More room for rising defensemen
- Thrun adds mobility and upside
- A signal that the focus is long-term
For San Jose:
- Adds a strong presence in the locker room
- Gives younger players room to learn from a warrior
- May help sell tickets during a rebuild year
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Final Thoughts
The Reaves–Thrun trade is more than just names on paper — it’s a symbol of where each team is heading:
- Toronto is betting on growth, mobility, and the future.
- San Jose wants leadership, grit, and fire today.
Only time will tell who “wins” this trade, but for now, both teams walk away with something they need.
