Reaves Requests Trade; Leafs Send Him to Sharks

Ryan Reaves was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the San Jose Sharks after he requested a move, citing frustration over inconsistent playing time and difficulty gaining the coaching staff's trust. Reaves, valued for his physicality and leadership, had been demoted to the AHL following injuries and low production. The trade, which occurred soon after Reaves publicly defended Mitch Marner and criticized segments of the Toronto fan base, saw the Leafs acquire 24-year-old defenseman Henry Thrun and gain salary cap flexibility. Reaves expressed gratitude to the Leafs but indicated a desire for more playing time and a better team fit as he approaches 1,000 career NHL games. San Jose acquires a veteran presence to mentor its young roster. Toronto continues reshaping its lineup to address postseason struggles and build a more dynamic team.