Oct 11, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Ryan Reaves (75) celebrates with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (left) after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

If Sharks fans had reservations about bringing Ryan Reaves to the team, he puts those to bed with his latest performance and Maple Leaf fans are quite peeved.They acquired young defender Henry Thrun who could be a solid piece for the future and provides NHL-caliber depth if needed. Reaves wasn’t expected to much for a rebuilding Sharks team, and it was more to give him a chance to hit 1,000 career NHL games.

Well, if he puts in the type of performance we saw recently, not only will he get there, but he could earn himself some top-six minutes at this rate.

No arguments here, that was a lovely bit of hockey from the veteran Reaves, who decided to use whatever energy he had to catch up to the puck and score.

Plus, he also got into a scrap and was only one helper away from getting himself the coveted and rare Gordie Howe hat-trick.

It’s just a shame that the Maple Leafs never got to see this type of energy from the veteran, and it’s clear that Reaves had basically checked out shortly after coming to Toronto.

This performance however good it was, did not go over well with everyone; most notably the Maple Leafs fanbase:

What’s frustrating too for Maple Leafs fans is that not only did Reaves have this in him, but it confirms their suspicions that at least some of the team had other ventures in mind and wanted out of town.

Toronto didn’t want them either, and their new identity which is built around passion, loyalty, and the desire to win together wasn’t conducive to players like Reaves or Mitch Marner.

It was a flash of brilliance from Reaves, and the Maple Leafs fans were not too happy they couldn’t get the same treatment from the veteran.

Though I think we can all agree, Toronto is way better off without him.

Previously on HockeyPatrol

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Former Maple Leaf Ryan Reaves Shines in San Jose, and Leafs Fans Can’t Help but React

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