Jake McCabe names Henry Thrun as a standout at Maple Leafs training camp

One of the most surprising moves the Toronto Maple Leafs made this summer (well, aside from the Mitch Marner trade), was a deal that saw enforcer Ryan Reaves head to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenceman Henry Thrun.

Thrun, 24, was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He never suited up for a game with the Ducks, informing the team that he planned to test free agency when his rights expired, so the Ducks traded his rights to the Sharks. The defenceman played in 119 games for the Sharks, with two goals and 12 points in 60 games last season. Despite the limited offensive output so far, he was drafted in part for his offensive instincts and will be challenging for a full time spot with the Maple Leafs this season.

Veteran defenceman Jake McCabe told media on Tuesday that Thrun has stood out to him in camp so far.

“He’s a nice player, he skates really well, he’s got a big shot,” McCabe said. “Obviously haven’t seen him in game action or anything, but just from skating, he’s a good dude and skates really well for a bigger guy. He’s obviously very young, but he’s already spent a couple of years in the NHL, so I like his game.”

The Leafs’ defensive corps is already pretty well set in stone, with Simon Benoit being arguably the only player who might have his spot on the defensive corps challenged, but healthy competition is never a bad thing. As one of the veterans on the team, McCabe believes his role is important in helping new players feel comfortable.

“Our setting is a little bit more casual, a little bit easier to get to know the people, I think,” McCabe continued. “But it’s always fun in preseason matches going out with guys and competing with them, getting to know their game, and getting to know where they’re from and if they’ve got a family or whatever it may be, so it’s always nice to see new faces.

Thrun, meanwhile, is excited to join a contending team for the first time in his career and contribute however he can.

“When [Sharks GM Mike Grier] told me where I was traded, it was definitely a nice way for that phone call to wrap up, knowing that I’m going to a city like Toronto,” Thrun said shortly after the trade. “Just knowing the history and the success the team has had over the past couple of years, but obviously the end goal is still in sight. I know there’s more to push for, but it definitely was pretty exciting to know where I was going to end up.”

The Maple Leafs will continue their preseason Tuesday night when they host the Ottawa Senators.