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Maple Leafs Ink Raddysh, $68M, 8-Year Deal

6/20/2026

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Summary

Maple Leafs Sign Raddysh

The Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh, traded a 2026 fifth-round pick, and signed him to an eight-year, $68 million contract.
Raddysh posted a breakout 2025-26 season with 22 goals, 48 assists and 70 points in 73 games, prompting GM John Chayka to call him a two-way defenseman.
Reporters say Toronto may also target his brother Taylor, a Rangers forward on a one-year $1.5 million deal, with the 85th or 114th pick.

Summary

Chayka Overhauls Roster

General manager Chayka called Raddysh “Plan A,” securing the top defensive free agent before July 1.
He traded Woll and Benoit to Philadelphia for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson and a 2026 pick.
Raddysh’s contract leaves $18.8 million in cap space, opening room for forwards.
Chayka is assessing centre depth and weighing a possible Matthew Knies trade.
Toronto retains the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft and names forward Gavin McKenna the odds-on favourite.

History

Historical Context

After the 2004-05 lockout ended, Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHLPA instituted a hard $39 million salary cap for the 2005-06 season, forcing teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins to reshape contracts. The Toronto Maple Leafs now echo that post-lockout restructuring by signing defenseman Darren Raddysh to an eight-year, $68 million deal, leaving $18.8 million in cap room.

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Maple Leafs Sign Raddysh

The Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh, traded a 2026 fifth-round pick, and signed him to an eight-year, $68 million contract.
Raddysh posted a breakout 2025-26 season with 22 goals, 48 assists and 70 points in 73 games, prompting GM John Chayka to call him a two-way defenseman.
Reporters say Toronto may also target his brother Taylor, a Rangers forward on a one-year $1.5 million deal, with the 85th or 114th pick.

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