Ryan Reaves is sitting next to Macklin Celebrini in the San Jose Sharks’ locker room.

This arrangement is no accident.

“I think it was a little strategic,” 38-year-old Reaves, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs this past summer for Henry Thrun, told San Jose Hockey Now.

“Everyone has a certain seat for a reason,” San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

Celebrini is also flanked in the locker room by veteran sniper Tyler Toffoli, who sat by then-rookie Celebrini last season.

So why newcomer Reaves next to the 19-year-old franchise face?