Amid a turbulent offseason marked by the exits of Mitch Marner and Ryan Reaves, the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired a promising young defenseman from the San Jose Sharks.
With Auston Matthews still the offensive centerpiece, the Maple Leafs are undergoing a strategic reshaping ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season. After Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights, the front office has turned its attention to reinforcing the team’s depth and long-term structure. Part of that effort included sending veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves to the Sharks.
The trade serves a dual purpose for Toronto: freeing up salary cap space and strengthening the blue line following Marner’s exit. In what’s proving to be a transitional summer, the Leafs are setting the stage for further roster moves.
Matthews, along with veteran John Tavares, is now tasked with carrying the offensive load left behind by Marner. But with Reaves also gone, attention turns to the return package—and what Toronto gained in the deal.
In exchange for Reaves, the Maple Leafs have received 24-year-old defenseman Henry Thrun. Set to join Matthews and company, Thrun brings potential and poise to Toronto’s defensive unit. He played 60 games during the 2024–25 campaign, contributing 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists), and has totaled 119 NHL appearances—all with San Jose. Thrun is signed for two more seasons on a team-friendly \$1 million AAV deal.
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