Ryan Reaves puts NHL teams on notice ahead of training camp

The NHL off-season is winding deeper into the summer months, and most roster spots around the league are filling up fast. But one of the game's most recognizable enforcers is still waiting by the phone, determined to lace up the skates for at least one more go-around.

Ryan Reaves, now 39, made it clear during a Thursday morning appearance on TSN1050's First Up that retirement is not on his mind. The veteran forward, who has logged 16 NHL seasons across eight different organizations, sits tantalizingly close to the 1,000 games-played milestone and wants to reach it.

"Playing 1000 games in the NHL is an honour for sure, especially in the role that I play," Reaves said. "I've been training all summer already and the body is holding up pretty well. I just think I've got one more left in the tank."

Reaves explained that advice from older players early in his career has stuck with him through the years. The message was always the same: keep playing as long as your body allows, because the regret of walking away too soon is worse than grinding through one more campaign.

"I don't want to have that regret," he said. "I think one more year would be fun and to say I played at 40 would also be fun, too."

Reaves acknowledged that while his camp has been in contact with multiple teams, no concrete offer has materialized yet. He seems at peace with the reality of his situation, understanding that a physical, bottom-six presence like himself is typically among the final additions a team makes before training camp.

He spent last season with the San Jose Sharks after being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He managed three goals in 50 games before a hand injury effectively ended his year shortly after the Olympic break. A return to San Jose appears unlikely given the Sharks' roster moves this summer, including the addition of Mason Marchment and a four-year extension for Zack Ostapchuk.

Despite the uncertain path ahead, Reaves spoke warmly about his time alongside young San Jose stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, calling them entertaining teammates who bring genuine joy to the rink every day.

Originally a fifth-round pick by the St. Louis Blues back in 2005, Reaves has suited up for Pittsburgh, Vegas, the Rangers, Minnesota, Toronto, and San Jose over his long career. Whether his potential final chapter plays out with a familiar franchise or a brand-new one remains an open question.

While the phone hasn't rung with the right offer yet, Reaves is staying ready.