SAN JOSE – Ryan Reaves will play against a group of close friends on Thursday night when the San Jose Sharks face the Vegas Golden Knights in their season-opening game at SAP Center.

That list of Golden Knights players includes winger Mitch Marner, with whom Reaves was teammates for a season and a half with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner, after nine seasons playing for his hometown team, was signed by the Leafs to an eight-year, $96 million contract on June 30 and then traded to the Golden Knights for forward Nicolas Roy.

Before Marner, a new father, finalized his decision, he spoke with Reaves and others about the Golden Knights organization and what family life would be like in the city, best known for its gambling and nightlife.

“I just told him my experience,” said Reaves, who spen

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