Former Maple Leaf Says Players Are ‘Afraid to Talk’ in Toronto Market originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Now with the San Jose Sharks, Ryan Reaves has been candid about his experience playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Reaves appeared on the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast on Monday and discussed many topics, including the pressure that comes with playing in one of the NHL’s most scrutinized markets.
“Toronto is a hockey mecca of the world, and you’re going to have both sides of it,” Reaves said. “You’re going to have people that love you for playing for the team. … And then, you’re gonna have the Twitter heroes that are sitting in their mom’s basement chirping every single move and every single word that you say.”
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Reaves said the constant attention in Toronto isn’t for everyone, and it changes how players express themselves.
“People are going to have their opinions,” Reaves said. “And everybody’s just afraid to talk however they want to talk.”
After being sent to the AHL this past season, Reaves knew the end of his tenure in Toronto was coming. He was ultimately traded to the Sharks on July 10.
Former Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves, left, called Toronto a “hockey mecca” but said the pressure affects how players express themselves.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Reaves acknowledged having seen “the writing on the wall” after losing his role, which led him to have a frank conversation with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving about parting ways.
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Despite the breakup, Reaves said Toronto was “probably the best organization in terms of how they treat the players, how they run the team.”
Reaves also contrasted Toronto with other cities he’s played in, such as Las Vegas. He said Sin City is “a little more toned-down than Toronto” with regard to “the fans and how much pressure there is there.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.