Ryan Reaves Reflects on Handling Situations Differently Before Toronto Return
Ryan Reaves is gearing up for his first game against the Toronto Maple Leafs since being traded to the San Jose Sharks last summer. The matchup takes place at the Scotiabank Arena, where Reaves reflected on his past experiences with the Leafs and what led to his move.
Transition to San Jose
The 38-year-old forward has become a regular player for the Sharks since his arrival. In contrast, his time in Toronto last season was marked by limited opportunities. Reaves played only 35 games and recorded just two assists before being placed on waivers.
After expressing his desire to be traded, he got his wish during the summer, moving to San Jose in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun, who will be making his Maple Leafs debut against the Sharks.
Reflecting on His Time in Toronto
Reaves is using his experiences with the Maple Leafs as motivation. He stated, “They basically said that I couldn’t play in this league anymore, and I’m back,” highlighting his determination to prove himself.
He has openly discussed the differences between the environments in Toronto and San Jose. In a recent appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Reaves described the Toronto market as “very corporate.” He expressed frustration about not being utilized effectively, especially towards the end of the 2024-25 season with the Marlies.
The Trade and Its Implications
Reaves joined the Maple Leafs on a three-year, $4.05 million contract in the summer of 2023. General Manager Brad Treliving aimed to inject energy into the team by bringing in players with strong personalities. Unfortunately, Reaves’ tenure lasted only 60 games, including five playoff matches in the team’s first-round series loss to the Boston Bruins in 2024.
The Future Ahead
Despite the challenges he faced in Toronto, Reaves feels at home in San Jose. He believes that his experiences have only served as a stepping stone to a more positive chapter in his career. “Every team handles things differently,” he noted. “I ended up in a great organization in San Jose, and I’m having a great time playing there.”
