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Leafs Acquire Darren Raddysh From Lightning and Sign Him to an 8-Year Contract
The 30-year-old defenseman, who recorded 70 points last season, is returning to his hometown and forgoing free agency to join Toronto.
- On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning began working on a sign-and-trade deal for defenseman Darren Raddysh, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported, preventing the 30-year-old from hitting free agency on July 1.
- After scoring 70 points in 73 games, Raddysh emerged as a top NHL defenseman this past season, becoming a key contributor for Tampa Bay during a season marked by significant lineup absences.
- Choosing to return to his hometown, Raddysh reportedly signed an eight-year contract worth over $8 million annually, as the Maple Leafs would "absolutely covet" the blueliner.
- By executing a sign-and-trade, the Maple Leafs avoid a bidding war, while the Lightning acquire an asset for a player departing July 1; speculation suggests Toronto may send the 85th overall draft pick, acquired from Philadelphia Flyers, to Tampa Bay.
- New GM John Chayka, hired last month, continues reshaping the roster with this acquisition; the move bolsters the blueline, as analysts noted, "Defense certainly looks better with Raddysh on the team.
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Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh from Lightning and sign him to an 8-year contract
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Darren Raddysh to an eight-year contract after acquiring his rights in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
·New York, United States
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Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh from Lightning in sign-and-trade deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs took a big swing at improving their blue line before the start of free agency July 1, acquiring Darren Raddysh's rights from the Tampa Bay Lightning and signing the defenceman to an eight-year contract.
·Canada
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Total News Sources43
Leaning Left9Leaning Right3Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 38%
C 50%
12%
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