In a shocker Thursday night trade, the San Jose Sharks dealt defenseman Henry Thrun to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward Ryan Reaves.
🔁 The #SJSharks have acquired Ryan Reaves from the Maple Leafs.— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 11, 2025
A 24-year-old defenseman in Thrun fetched a 38-year-old enforcer who played the majority of the 24-25 season in the AHL. On paper, it is awkward, no question. However, upon closer examination, the Sharks needed to make a trade like this.
Thrun was one of the many left-handed defensemen continuing to pile up on the San Jose Sharks roster. With Sam Dickinson waiting in the wings, and GM Mike Grier saying he won’t block him, Thrun became a casualty of a numbers game.
Mario Ferraro, Dmitry Orlov, Nick Leddy, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Dickinson, and Thrun. Having six left-handed d-men wasn’t going to work. Thrun would’ve had to have an incredible training camp, and is a potential waiver candidate.
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By trading Thrun, Grier can at least recoup an asset for the 24-year-old. This move also benefits Thrun, giving him a better opportunity with the Maple Leafs to secure a permanent NHL spot.
Fun fact: Thrun scored his first NHL goal on the power-play against Toronto on Jan. 9, 2024.
What does this mean for Reaves and the Sharks?
Look, Reaves isn’t getting any younger, but he brings valuable experience. He doesn’t fight as much, but he’s a threat to do so on the ice. He’s gone on long playoff runs with multiple teams and knows what it takes to win.
Out of 15 NHL seasons, Reaves has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs 14 times. Something the current San Jose Sharks roster lacks is playoff experience. Now, San Jose has added it in many ways. Leddy and Orlov have both won a Stanley Cup in their career.
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For the San Jose Sharks, Reaves will bring a fun locker room atmosphere that will only help the young future stars. If he is in Coach Ryan Warsofsky’s lineup every night, Reaves also offers protection for his young studs.
A moment that stands out from last season is the Sharks’ response after Mukhamadullin was injured against the Anaheim Ducks, which ultimately ended his season. The Sharks said they were okay with the lack of response given the time of the game (late in the third), which is a valid reason.
But if Reaves is even in the lineup, the Ducks might not even think to go after Mukhamadullin like they did, knowing a response from Reaves is waiting.
Thrun for Reaves seems like it is weighted as a win for the Maple Leafs, but the San Jose Sharks just had too many defensemen, and Thrun was the odd man out.
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