Sharks Trade Thrun for Veteran Enforcer Ryan Reaves

The San Jose Sharks have acquired veteran forward Ryan Reaves from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for 24-year-old defenseman Henry Thrun, the clubs confirmed on 11 July. The move pairs the rebuilding Sharks with one of the league’s most experienced enforcers while giving Toronto a young, left-shooting blue-liner who could contend for regular NHL minutes. General manager Mike Grier faced a surplus of left-handed defensemen—Mario Ferraro, Dmitry Orlov, Nick Leddy, Shakir Mukhamadullin and top prospect Sam Dickinson among them—leaving Thrun vulnerable to waivers. By moving the former Harvard captain, San Jose recoups an asset and addresses a need for toughness and playoff experience; Reaves, 38, has reached the postseason in 14 of his 15 NHL campaigns. Reaves said he understands the Sharks "didn’t acquire me for my goal scoring" but to "bring energy and protect the young kids when it’s needed." He learned of the deal moments before a charity signing in Las Vegas and added that he is 83 games shy of the 1,000-game mark, hoping a strong season in San Jose will extend his career. The 6-foot-2 winger, who once sparred with San Jose in a seven-game series as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, joins a roster expected to feature several high-end prospects. “I think the Sharks have some of the best young superstars in the league,” Reaves said, adding that his presence should give them more room to operate on the ice.