Ryan Reaves has openly dismissed the criticisms from Toronto Maple Leafs fans following his remarks about Mitch Marner’s trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. Speaking on Leafs Morning Take on Monday, Reaves shared his perspective on the situation and expressed that he is unaffected by the backlash surrounding the Mitch Marner trade backlash reaction.
After signing a three-year deal with the Maple Leafs on July 1, 2023, with a $1.35 million cap hit, Reaves later moved to the San Jose Sharks. He reflected on his time in Vegas, where he played four seasons and still resides during the summer months.
“I love my time here,” he said about Vegas (31:57). “It’s a little more toned down than Toronto … the fans and how much pressure there is there.”
Reaves revealed that Marner reached out to him to ask about life in Vegas, and Reaves responded candidly.
“I don’t really care what the people say about that,” Reaves added. “ I wasn’t doing anything shady or trying to hurt the Toronto Maple Leafs. I was just being a friend.”
Insights on Mitch Marner’s Treatment by Fans and the Pressure He Faces
Earlier in July, Reaves appeared on the Cam & Strick Podcast where he discussed how harshly fans treated Marner after his trade.
“I think they can be a little ruthless to him,” Reaves said.
Reaves suggested that fans often seek a scapegoat when the team’s performance falters, and because Marner is a native of Toronto, he experiences heightened scrutiny and pressure.
During the previous season, Reaves played 35 games for the Maple Leafs, registering two assists, no goals, and averaged under eight minutes of ice time. On July 10, he was traded to the Sharks in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun.
Throughout a 15-season NHL career that began with the St. Louis Blues in 2011–12, Reaves has amassed 137 points and over 1,100 penalty minutes in 912 games.
How Reaves Views the End of His Time with the Maple Leafs
Reaves also reflected on the conclusion of his tenure with Toronto during the Leafs Morning Take episode, explaining that his demotion to the AHL signaled the end of his role with the Maple Leafs.
“I lost my spot on the team,” Reaves said, calling it “the writing on the wall.”
Following discussions with Toronto’s general manager Brad Treliving, Reaves requested a trade and both parties agreed it was the best course of action.
“I just don’t see myself coming back,” he told Treliving.
Now with the San Jose Sharks, Reaves is eager to embrace a new chapter in his career and contribute in a fresh setting.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Mitch Marner so good?
A. Marner uses his calmness, perception, and imagination to consistently help his teammates move quickly and effectively inside, pushing rivals to be defensive.
Q. Are Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner best friends?
A. Auston Matthews, the captain of the Maple Leafs, considers Mitch Marner like a brother and appreciates him as a great teammate and friend. Matthews also acknowledges the team’s admiration for Marner but respects his freedom to choose his path in free agency this off-season.