Ryan Reaves, now with the San Jose Sharks, has reflected on his challenging tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, calling it a "hockey mecca" that attracts both adoration and scrutiny. Reaves candidly discussed the pressure of playing in Toronto, where public perception can impact a player's ability to express themselves, noting the presence of "Twitter heroes" ready to critique. After being sent to the AHL, Reaves recognized it was time for a change and engaged in an honest conversation with GM Brad Treliving about moving on.

Despite the struggles, Reaves praised the Leafs as an exemplary organization in terms of player treatment, contrasting his experiences in Toronto with those in places like Las Vegas, which he described as less intense. This transition to San Jose marks a new chapter for Reaves, who is eager to embrace the next phase of his career while carrying valuable lessons learned from his time with the Maple Leafs.