The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade move, removing one of the top offensive defensemen from the upcoming free agent market. An NHL source confirmed the deal to ESPN, though compensation details remain unclear. Raddysh will reportedly sign an eight-year contract with an average annual value exceeding $8 million.

Raddysh, 30, enjoyed a career year in 2025-26, posting personal bests across the board with 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points in 73 games while averaging 22:42 of ice time. His power play contributions stood out particularly, tallying 10 goals and 26 points with the man advantage alongside Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel.

An undrafted free agent who began with Chicago in 2017-18 before joining the Lightning via trade, Raddysh didn't establish himself as an NHL regular until 2023-24. He recorded 35 goals and 108 points in 249 games with Tampa Bay, finishing with a plus-24 rating. Lightning GM Julien Brise Bois praised Raddysh's impact during a season marked by significant lineup absences.

This represents the latest roster reshaping under new Maple Leafs GM John Chayka, who took over last month. For Toronto, landing Raddysh addresses their need for offensive defensemen, while Tampa Bay loses a key contributor who opted against accepting a hometown discount.