Sharks acquire Ryan Reaves from Maple Leafs for Henry Thrun

The San Jose Sharks have acquired winger Ryan Reaves from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun.

Reaves is entering the final year of a three-year contract with a $1.35 million cap hit. The Leafs had been looking to offload his contract to free up some cap space, and find a suitor in the Sharks. In return, Toronto get Thrun, who’s in the final year of a two-year deal with a $1 million cap hit, is $350,000 cheaper and gives them a bit more depth on the blueline beyond their main seven defensemen. He’s also a solid puck-mover, something the Leafs lack in their defense core.

Meanwhile the Sharks add a bit more salary to their books, something they’ll need as they sit barely above the cap floor at this point in time. Reaves will also provide some veteran experience for a young Sharks core, as well as a bit of protection as an enforcer.

“We’re excited to welcome Ryan to the organization,” said Mike Grier in a statement released by the Sharks. “He will bring energy, personality, physical play and toughness to our group. He has been a part of many winning teams, and I witnessed firsthand the positive impact he can bring to a group when I was with the Rangers.”

Reaves spent most of his season in the NHL, but was a frequent healthy scratch for the Leafs, only getting into 35 games as he continued to get passed in the depth chart by other players. He managed just two assists over the course of the season, and did not play in the playoffs for the Leafs.

Reaves also spent some time in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, where he had one goal in three games.

Thrun had his first full season in the NHL in 2024-25, where he had two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 60 games with the Sharks.