The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a fifth-round draft pick. Additionally, Toronto signed him to an eight-year, $8.5 million AAV extension.
TRADE: We’ve acquired defenceman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Toronto’s fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft
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— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 19, 2026
Raddysh, 30, was born in Toronto and is coming off the best season of his career. His 22 goals and 70 points on the season were good for third and seventh among all defensemen in the NHL.
Raddysh’s 70-point season was a critical part of the Lightning’s success this year, as Victor Hedman missed most of the season. His previous career high in points was 37 in 2024-25.
The Maple Leafs have needed a No. 1 puck-moving defenseman for years, and Raddysh was the best defenseman available.
“Darren has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier two-way defensemen, combining elite puck-moving ability with poise,” general manager John Chayka said. “He strengthens our blue line in every situation and is exactly the type of player we want leading this team.”
The contract will cover his age-37 season. With his acquisition, the defensive free agency class is stretched thin, especially with Rasmus Andersson likely re-signing in Las Vegas.
