Maple Leafs Land Darren Raddysh, Sign Defenseman to Massive Eight-Year Deal

Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images | David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Maple Leafs also extended Raddysh to an 8-year, $8.5 million annual average value contract.

Toronto acquires the puck-moving defenceman they have needed

Raddysh arrives in Toronto following a breakout 2025-26 campaign with the Lightning, establishing himself as one of the NHL's most productive offensive defensemen. In 73 regular-season games, the right-shot blueliner recorded 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points, setting a Tampa Bay franchise record for goals by a defenseman in a single season.

Over parts of five NHL seasons with the Lightning, Raddysh appeared in 249 career regular-season games, registering 35 goals and 108 assists for 143 points. He played an important role in the Tampa Bay defensive group last season, with the Lightning hoping he would stay at a far lower cost than the Maple Leafs offered him.

Julien BriseBois speaks on Raddysh following the 2025-26 season

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois spoke on Raddysh and what he meant to the Lightning's blueline.

"He stepped up big-time when we needed him this year. He's a phenomenal player, and a key reason that we are as competitive as we are. I foresee him staying in our organization for a very long time, hopefully until the end of his career."

The acquisition continues an active offseason for the Maple Leafs under general manager John Chayka. Earlier this week, Toronto acquired goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit.

The Maple Leafs view Raddysh as a key piece of their defensive core moving forward as the organization continues to reshape its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.