Dave Litman
The Toronto Maple Leafs have pulled off the first blockbuster move of the offseason, acquiring top pending UFA defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The sign-and-trade deal comes with a significant eight-year, $8.5 million AAV contract for the 30-year-old blueliner.
The Leafs send a 5th rounder to Tampa in the deal.
Raddysh exploded onto the scene this season with the Lightning, posting 22 goals and 70 points with a +21 rating. His previous career highs were six goals and 37 points. He took over from the injured Victor Hedman as the No. 1 D-man and power play quarterback and excelled in the role, with 10 power play goals and 16 assists. The 6’1″, 200-pounder is a strong puck-mover with a booming shot.
Leafs GM John Chayka released a statement:
‘“We are thrilled to add a defenceman of Darren’s caliber to our organization. Darren has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier two-way defensemen, combining elite puck-moving ability with poise, competitiveness, and strong play in all three zones. He strengthens our blue line in every situation and is exactly the type of player we want helping lead this team.”
Raddysh was in his third full season as an NHLer. The Bolts had signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He has never made more than last season’s $975,000 in a season before this massive life-changing deal with the Leafs.
Toronto continues to re-make its blueline, after acquiring Emil Andrae from the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this week, and sending out Simon Benoit. Expect to hear Morgan Rielly on the move at some point as well. Brandon Carlo and even Jake McCabe are potential trade pieces.
Chayka has had a very busy week as the new GM continues to make a dramatic mark on the Leafs.
