Ryan Reaves' status for the remainder of the 2025-26 season is in doubt, but we may not have seen the last of him with the San Jose Sharks if he gets his way.
Ahead of the Sharks' game against the St. Louis Blues, Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest noted that the 39-year-old's locker stall was empty during the morning skate. Regardless of that, he took a spot on the bench while donning a hoodie to maintain a presence with his teammates.
During the second period of Monday night's game, Reaves joined Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda in the commentary booth providing his feedback. At one point, Reaves shared that he's open to the possibility of returning to the Sharks next season and he wants to end his career in San Jose:
Reaves has been a well-received addition to the locker room this season, bringing veteran leadership and helping establish a strong culture for the young core players. While he hasn't been in the lineup every night, playing 50 of the Sharks' 72 games to date, he's certainly made a difference in the organization.
Reaves suffered an injury during a fight with Garrett Wilson of the Philadelphia Flyers last week and it appeared that he damaged his hand. Following the game, his teammate Barclay Goodrow was nearly brought to tears while discussing Reaves and how much he means to this group of players.
Reaves' current contract is set to expire on July 1 and, assuming the Sharks don't sign him to an extension before then, he'll become an unrestricted free agent at that time.