Maple Leafs’ Henry Thrun motivated to prove himself ahead of season debut against familiar foe

The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to take on the San Jose Sharks Thursday night, with a new face on the blue line, as Henry Thrun is being inserted into the lineup to make his Leafs debut against the 24-year-old’s former team. 

Acquired on July 10, from the aforementioned Sharks in exchange for veteran forward Ryan Reaves, Thrun is being thrust into action as injuries to Leafs defencemen continue to pile up.

Speaking to the media at morning skate on Thursday, Thrun spoke about what it was going to mean to suit up for the first time with this Leafs team.

“It’s super exciting obviously,” Thrun said. “Toronto is the biggest hockey market in the world, so to be able to get a chance to represent the NHL team here is pretty special.” 

A former fourth-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2019, Thrun spent three seasons at Harvard University before turning pro in 2022-23. Thrun is going to be squaring off against the team, whom he skated in his previous 119 NHL games with over parts of three seasons. In those games, Thrun has totaled five goals and 20 assists. 

When asked if the young defender wanted to show his former team something, Thrun down played the matchup, noting that is the nature of the NHL, “I mean you always do right, It’s a league where you’re trying to prove yourself every night,” Thrun said. “I’m more just worried about myself and playing my game.” 

In 19 games with the Toronto Marlies this season, Thrun has posted three goals and six assists, good for second on the team in points amongst defencemen.  With Brandon Carlo, Chris Tanev and Dakota Mermis all now injured, the young blue-liner has an opportunity to potentially get an extended look with the team that acquired him in the off-season.

The game gets underway from Scotiabank Arena at 7 pm eastern time.