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Maple Leafs fans react to the Ryan Reaves trade

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Michael Mazzei | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 2:56 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday night that they traded Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Henry Thrun.

Reaves’ tenure in Toronto certainly had its moments, especially in the early days when he got in fights in his first two games, but it became clear by the end that he was no longer part of the plans. Between lengthy stretches of being a healthy scratch, only getting in one fight last season, and being behind placed on waivers, the writing was on the wall by the time the playoffs rolled around.

Now he will get to play for a team that will, at the very least, allow him a chance at 1000 career games while providing energy and personality to a young Sharks team. The Leafs free up some cap space to make way for further moves while adding a young defenceman to their ranks in Thrun. Ultimately, this is a move that works out well for both sides, though the Leafs get the edge.

We asked you on social media about your thoughts on the Reaves trade and here are the highlights.

They got a 24yr old with NHL experience for a contract and player that I figured was unmovable, without retention. It's great.

— Andy's Bath, Gates & BBQs (@andysbathgatesbbqs.bsky.social) 2025-07-11T05:12:57.838Z

It was going to be difficult to justify keeping Reaves in the ranks when he was most likely going to spend the majority of the season in the AHL. The fact that they were able to get a young player who adds to their depth on the back end is some tidy business from GM Brad Treliving.

It was time. Replace him with a young player that will add depth to the organization, I don’t know much about Thrun, but he’s young and a defender, 2 good things for the Leafs

— Wyatt MacRae (@Wyatt_MacRae) July 11, 2025

As for the player the Leafs got back, Thrun is a puck-moving defenceman who has some potential to be more of a two-way option. He is far from a finished product and perhaps being on a more competitive team could bring more out of him, so there is a chance this is a move that pays off in dividends now and down the line.

The young guys on SJ need some protection and Reevo will do that. Maybe he'll hit that 1000 game milestone afterall

— G.KosH (@GKosH4) July 11, 2025

While it is easy to scoff at the Sharks for making this trade, there is some logic behind the move. The Leafs brought in Matt Martin near the start of the Auston Matthews era to bring in a veteran leader who will keep things loose and bring the energy to the young guns as they transition into the NHL. San Jose is hoping Reaves can do the same for their young crop of talent.

I’ll miss Reavo, but it’s better for the buds.

— Scott (@poets_scotia) July 11, 2025

The majority of Leafs fans were happy to see Reaves gone, though some will miss his personality and energy. Ultimately, this was a move that needed to happen and Sharks GM Mike Grier did Treliving a solid by agreeing to this deal.

I wonder if this opens up the spot for Kunin or Roslovic (if these are who they sign) to sign now? Probably still waiting on one of Kampf or Jarnkrok but it's nice to see some movement. https://t.co/N92RTvW5fp

— Knies Guy (@Mainely_Leafs) July 11, 2025

The next logical question after the Reaves trade is what else Treliving has up his sleeves now that the Leafs have over $5 million in cap space. Of course, they still have to deal with Nick Robertson’s salary arbitration, but reports are suggesting they are interested in Jack Roslovic in addition to making the trade for a top-six forward. All of which is to say that the Leafs’ roster transformation is far from done.

We want to hear from you: what are your thoughts on the Ryan Reaves trade?

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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