Ryan Reaves Calls Out Maple Leafs—Again—In His Return to Toronto

We heard before the season that Ryan Reaves wasn't happy with how things ended for him with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now that he's in town with the San Jose Sharks for his first game back at Scotiabank Arena against his old squad, he's taking no prisoners—on the ice or off it.

"They basically said that I couldn't play in this league anymore, and I'm back."

Ryan Reaves shares his thoughts on being traded by the Maple Leafs last offseason. pic.twitter.com/K8tIXhTH75
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 11, 2025

"They basically said that I couldn't play in this league anymore, and I'm back," said Reaves about Leafs management.

"Just a little honesty and communication would have been nice... I’d been in the league for 15 years. I think things could’ve been handled a little differently with me, just a little more upfront honesty..."

'A little upfront honesty would've been nice': Reaves calls out Leafs

"What was going on with my situation and the trade deadline thing was a little frustrating for me,” Reaves said. The Leafs waived Reaves in advance of the March trade deadline to make some cap room for new additions Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo. Reaves went down to the AHL for the first time in 12 years and played three games with the Marlies.

He says he's far more comfortable in his new environment with the Sharks, as noted by Sportsnet's Luke Fox. “I just feel like I’m a little freer to be myself here. Everything’s a bit more comfortable. When you’re comfortable, you play better. You have more fun. That’s just how it is.”

He had previously called out the Leafs for a "lack of trust" soon after he was traded this past summer.

Ironically, the man for whom Reaves was dealt, Henry Thrun, is making his Leafs debut against Reaves and the Sharks. And for the 24-year-old defenseman, everything is still fresh & new for him with the Buds, and he's excited to be up with the big club.

🚨🎙️ Henry Thrun on his Leafs debut tonight:

“Yeah, it’s super exciting. Obviously, Toronto is the biggest hockey market in the world, so getting a chance to represent the NHL team here is pretty special. I’m really excited about it.” 💙🫡

🎥: @MapleLeafs / YT#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/3iXcAvhZzX
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) December 11, 2025

“Yeah, it’s super exciting. Obviously, Toronto is the biggest hockey market in the world, so getting a chance to represent the NHL team here is pretty special. I’m really excited about it.”