TORONTO — After 16 years in the NHL and more than 900 games, Ryan Reaves showed up to work Thursday morning feeling that he had something to prove.

The San Jose Sharks’ tough guy was due to face his former team at Scotiabank Arena and still had lingering feelings about how last season ended, with the Toronto Maple Leafs sending him through waivers at the trade deadline before assigning him to their American Hockey League affiliate.

“They basically said that I couldn’t play in this league anymore,” Reaves said. “And I’m back.”

In San Jose, the Sharks have been raving about Reaves’ impact on a young, up-and-coming team. He arrived there in a July 10 trade from Toronto for defenseman Henry Thrun and is a designated vibes guy who has held onto a regular lineup spot when healthy.

That was the kind of role the Leafs envisioned Reaves filling when they landed him in free agency with a $4.05 million, three-year contract in 2023.

But the fit was never quite right.

Reaves said he found it difficult to let his true personality shine in a buttoned-down environment he’s described as “corporate,” and sat out long periods as a healthy scratch.

That included six weeks during the 2023-24 season where Reaves started to wonder if he’d ever get another chance with the Leafs at all. Last season, he dressed for only 35 NHL games and was held without a goal before the March 6 waiver placement, and played three more games with the AHL Marlies.

At season’s end, both sides agreed that a fresh start was needed.

While claiming that he holds no grudges against the Leafs organization, Reaves thinks management should have kept him more in the loop during the periods of limbo he experienced.

“I think throughout the year, not just (the waiver) situation, I think there was just some situations that could have been handled differently,” he said. “At the time, I’d been in the league for 15 years, and I think just a little honesty and some communication would have been nice. Every team handles things differently, and it is what it is.

“I ended up in a great organization in San Jose, and I’m having a great time playing there. So it was just, I guess, a stepping stone to get here.”

Incredibly, Reaves is the fifth-oldest skater in the NHL this season. That’s a testament to the perceived value the 38-year-old brings beyond the stats sheet. He entered the game in Toronto with two goals, a minus-8 rating and 40 percent of even-strength shot attempts in 25 appearances.

“He’s been a great addition for our group,” said Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky. “In the dressing room, on the ice, to the coaching staff. I can’t say enough good things about what he’s brought to our group.”

He left behind some friends in Toronto, too.

“I’ve known Reavo for a long time. I think Reavo’s had a great career,” said Leafs coach Craig Berube. “In terms of what he does and his role as a player, things happen. I mean, this is the way the game goes. When you get a little bit older, and you’re getting towards the end of your career — I went through it — and I understand totally where he’s at and what he thinks. It’s all good.

“I love Reavo.”

Even with the unsavory ending to his tenure with the Original Six franchise, Reaves took some positives from his two seasons in blue and white. He remains close with former teammates Auston Matthews and Max Domi, for example.

“I met some great people,” Reaves said. “I had a great time here. Obviously, it didn’t go the way I wanted it to, but that happens, though. I’ve been on teams where it didn’t work out, and I don’t hold any grudges. Business is business, and you move on.

“It was an honor to put on the Leafs jersey, a lot of history in this organization, and a lot of professionalism. Met some friends for life. No regrets.”