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Darren Raddysh Trade: The Toronto Maple Leafs have struck a sign-and-trade deal to acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The move pulls one of the league's premier offensive blueliners off the open market just before free agency begins. An NHL source confirmed the trade to ESPN.
Details on the compensation sent to Tampa Bay have not been disclosed. Toronto's exact contract terms also remain unconfirmed.
However, multiple reports indicate Raddysh is set to sign an eight-year deal worth more than $8 million annually.
Raddysh, 30, just wrapped up the best season of his career. He posted career highs in goals (22), assists (48), points (70) and plus-minus (+21) during the 2025-26 campaign.
He appeared in 73 games for Tampa Bay, averaging a career-best 22:42 of ice time per night. His power-play production stood out in particular.
Raddysh racked up 26 points with the man advantage, playing alongside reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov, who tallied 37 power-play points of his own.
Linemate Jake Guentzel added 30 power-play points. Raddysh contributed 10 power-play goals, often firing his shot from the point.
His path to the NHL wasn't a typical one. Raddysh went undrafted and began his pro career in the Chicago Blackhawks' system in 2017-18.
He was later traded to the New York Rangers organization. He didn't make his NHL debut until 2021-22, when he landed with the Lightning.
Raddysh spent five seasons in Tampa Bay and became a full-time NHL player by 2023-24.
In 249 games with the Lightning, he recorded 35 goals and 108 points, along with a plus-24 rating.
Heading into a free agent class considered thin on talent, Raddysh was widely viewed as the top offensive defenseman available.
Free agency opens July 1. Tampa Bay had hoped to retain him at a discounted rate.
The team was looking to preserve cap flexibility elsewhere, especially with a potential extension for Kucherov looming in 2027.
Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois praised Raddysh's impact following a season marked by notable injuries across the roster.
He credited Raddysh as a major factor in the team's competitiveness and said he expected him to remain with the organization long-term.
Instead, Raddysh becomes the newest addition in a reshaped Maple Leafs roster.
The moves continue under new general manager John Chayka, who took over the role last month.
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