Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh from Lightning in sign-and-trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a new general manager after a disastrous 2025-26 season. John Chayka has taken over and has wasted no time making big moves. First, he traded away Joseph Woll in a blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. Then, he began working on a deal for the Leafs to acquire Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Now, a sign-and-trade for the 30-year-old blueliner has been completed, according to Pierre LeBrun.

Raddysh is signing an eight-year deal with an AAV worth north of $8 million per season with the Lightning. He will then be moved to the Maple Leafs, likely for a late-round draft pick.

Raddysh is coming off the best season of his NHL career. He played in 73 games, finding the back of the net 22 times while adding 48 helpers. He was also great on the power play, with ten goals and 16 assists. It was a breakout season that got the blueliner a massive raise. He has never made more than $975 thousand in a season in his career.

Now, Raddysh heads to his hometown. The Caledon, Ontario native grew up in the Toronto area and played minor hockey in Toronto to begin with. He would be undrafted out of the OHL and signed a deal with the AHL Rockford IceHogs, the affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. He would then be traded the next season to the New York Rangers, but would once again stay in the AHL.

In 2021, he signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning and made his NHL debut in 2021-22 before becoming a full-time NHL player in 2023-24.

With this trade completed, the Chayka will turn his focus to his next move, which could see the Maple Leafs trade away Matthew Knies.

The post Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh from Lightning in sign-and-trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.