TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday in a sign-and-trade deal that removes one of the NHL’s top pending free agents from the market and adds a veteran blue-liner to Toronto’s roster ahead of the offseason.
The Maple Leafs announced that they had obtained Raddysh from Tampa Bay in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. As part of the transaction, Raddysh signed an eight-year contract before being dealt to Toronto, according to statements from both clubs. Financial terms were not disclosed by the teams. Reuters and other media outlets reported the contract carries an average annual value of about $8.5 million.
Raddysh, 30, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. By completing the sign-and-trade before the opening of free agency, Toronto secured the rights to a player coming off the most productive season of his NHL career.
“We are thrilled to add a defenseman of Darren’s caliber to our organization,” Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said in a team statement. Chayka described Raddysh as “one of the NHL’s premier two-way defensemen” and said the player would strengthen Toronto’s blue line in all situations.
Raddysh also welcomed the move, saying he was excited to join the franchise he followed while growing up in the Toronto area.
“I couldn't be happier to be joining a great team, a great group of players, and I'm excited to be here for eight years and play for the team I grew up watching,” he said.
The defenseman recorded career highs during the 2025-26 season with Tampa Bay, including 22 goals, 48 assists and 70 points. He also posted personal bests in power-play production and average ice time. According to team statistics, his offensive output nearly matched his combined production from the previous four seasons.
Raddysh joined the Lightning organization in 2021 and appeared in 249 regular-season games with the club, recording 143 career points. Tampa Bay received a draft pick in return rather than risk losing the defenseman for no compensation when free agency opens next month.
The acquisition is one of the most significant moves made by Toronto this offseason as the club continues reshaping its roster. Earlier this week, the Maple Leafs completed another trade involving goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit.
With the trade finalized, Raddysh is expected to join Toronto’s defense corps immediately, while the Lightning turn their attention to the NHL Draft and the upcoming free-agent period.
