Maple Leafs Acquire Offensive Defenseman Darren Raddysh

On June 19, 2026, Toronto traded its 2026 fifth-round draft pick to Tampa Bay for defenseman Darren Raddysh. The Leafs immediately signed Raddysh to an eight-year, $8.5 million AAV extension.

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Undrafted in 2017-18, Raddysh entered the NHL via the Chicago Blackhawks system before flourishing with the Lightning. In 2025-26 he posted career highs: 22 goals, 48 assists, 70 points, +21 plus-minus, and 22:42 average ice time over 73 games. Twenty-six points came on a power-play unit featuring Nikita Kucherov, Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point.

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The eight-year deal raises Raddysh’s salary from a $836,000 base last season to $8.5 million annually. AFP Analytics had projected a six-year, $8 million AAV contract; Toronto opted for a longer, slightly higher commitment. Tampa Bay receives only a 2026 fifth-round pick, essentially the negotiating rights to Raddysh.

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Raddysh gives Toronto a right-side power-play quarterback, complementing Auston Matthews, William Nylander and prospect Gavin McKenna. His addition also creates flexibility for a potential future trade of defenseman Morgan Rielly. For Tampa Bay, the loss of a top offensive defenseman creates a cap-sensitive hole. General manager Julien BriseBois must locate a comparable puck-mover before Nikita Kucherov’s contract expires, while the fifth-round pick offers limited immediate return.

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John Chayka praised Raddysh as a premier two-way defenseman with elite puck-moving ability and strong play across all zones. Tampa Bay’s front office noted Raddysh would likely walk without a competitive extension, prompting the trade of his rights.

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Analysts point to the contract’s length and $8.5 million AAV as above market for a 30-year-old defenseman, creating cap risk for Toronto. The Lightning’s return of a single fifth-round pick is viewed as modest compensation for a player who recorded 70 points last season.

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Sources differ on the projected contract structure: AFP Analytics expected a six-year, $8 million AAV deal, while the finalized agreement is eight years at $8.5 million AAV. No public comment explains the extended term.

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• “one of the NHL's premier two-way defensemen, combining elite puck-moving ability with poise, competitiveness and strong play in all three zones.” — John Chayka, Toronto GM

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• “But they could use another puck-mover on the right side, and don't really have anyone in their system that pops out as a potential replacement.” — Wyshynski, analyst

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The trade arrives just before the June 26-27 NHL draft, giving Toronto a new power-play option as the draft unfolds. Tampa Bay’s management will pursue a cost-effective offensive defenseman to fill the vacancy left by Raddysh.

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