NHL News: Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs welcome a defenseman from the Sharks as part of the Ryan Reaves trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs, with Auston Matthews as their offensive cornerstone, are in the midst of an offseason defined by strategic adjustments. Following the departure of Mitch Marner, management has focused on solidifying the team’s competitive structure for the 2025-26 NHL season. In that context, the Canadian franchise finalized a trade with the San Jose Sharks involving Ryan Reaves.

The trade that sent veteran Ryan Reaves to San Jose reflects two clear objectives: gaining salary cap flexibility and adding defensive depth after Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights. In a challenging offseason, Toronto wants to build momentum for additional moves.

Matthews now officially remains the face of a complete shift in Toronto. Alongside John Tavares, he will be responsible for covering the offensive power lost with Marner’s exit. At the same time, the departure of another key player like Reaves raises the question of what exactly the Maple Leafs are receiving in return at this moment.

Who did Toronto get in exchange for Reaves going to the Sharks?

The player joining the Maple Leafs is none other than defenseman Henry Thrun, who at 24 years old will have the opportunity to showcase his skills on Canadian ice alongside Matthews and the rest of the roster. His arrival completes the trade that sent enforcer Reaves to San Jose.

Thrun arrives after playing 60 games during the 2024-25 season, recording 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists) and totaling 119 games in his career with San Jose. The young defenseman is under contract for two more years (with a $1 million AAV).

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After Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs exit, Sharks’ Ryan Reaves breaks silence on Toronto split

Reaves’ reaction after leaving Toronto

Reaves spoke candidly to the media as he bid farewell to the Maple Leafs, sharing some pointed words. “I just thought it wasn’t the best fit. It seemed like if I had a bad game, I’d be out of the lineup for four, five, six, seven, eight, nine games. I’d come back, play a good game, and then get pulled right out again,” Reaves stated.