Canadian defenseman Darren Raddysh has become one of the biggest success stories in the NHL. After spending years developing in the minor leagues, Raddysh emerged as a top offensive defenseman with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has now landed a blockbuster move to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His rise has sparked interest among fans searching for his trade details, contract, stats, and HockeyDB record.
Darren Raddysh Trade: Maple Leafs Acquire Star Defenseman
One of the biggest NHL moves of 2026 involved Darren Raddysh. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the right-shot defenseman from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade deal ahead of NHL free agency. Tampa Bay received a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, while Toronto added one of the league’s most productive defensemen.
The trade came after Raddysh enjoyed a breakout campaign that dramatically increased his value across the league. Several teams were reportedly interested before Toronto completed the deal.
Darren Raddysh Contract Details
Before the trade was finalized, Raddysh signed an eight-year contract reportedly worth $68 million, carrying an average annual value of approximately $8.5 million. The deal represents a massive increase from his previous contract with Tampa Bay.
His prior contract was a two-year, $1.95 million agreement signed in 2023, with a cap hit of $975,000 per season.
Contract Snapshot
- Current Contract: 8 years, $68 million
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $8.5 million
- Previous Contract: 2 years, $1.95 million
- Position: Defenseman
- Shoots: Right
Darren Raddysh Stats
The 2025-26 season was easily the best of Raddysh’s NHL career. He recorded:
- 22 Goals
- 48 Assists
- 70 Points
- Plus-21 Rating
- 26 Power-Play Points
- Average Ice Time: 22:42 per game
These numbers ranked him among the NHL’s top offensive defensemen and helped establish him as one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
Across 249 regular-season games with Tampa Bay, Raddysh produced 35 goals and 143 points.
Is Darren Raddysh Good?
The short answer is yes.
Raddysh has developed into a legitimate top-pair defenseman capable of contributing in all situations. His offensive production, power-play ability, puck movement, and improved defensive play have earned praise from coaches, executives, and analysts. Toronto’s management described him as an elite two-way defenseman who strengthens the team in every zone.
His 70-point season was particularly impressive because it nearly matched the combined total from his previous four NHL seasons.
Darren Raddysh HockeyDB Career Overview
Fans searching HockeyDB records will find a player who steadily climbed through the hockey ranks. Raddysh spent significant time in junior hockey and the American Hockey League before establishing himself in the NHL.
Career highlights include:
- NHL regular with Tampa Bay Lightning
- Breakout 70-point season in 2025-26
- Franchise record for goals by a Lightning defenseman in a single season
- Multi-year NHL contract worth $68 million
- Trade to hometown Toronto Maple Leafs in 2026
Raddysh’s development path demonstrates how patience and continued improvement can transform a depth player into a franchise cornerstone.
What’s Next for Darren Raddysh?
Now entering the prime years of his career, Darren Raddysh will be expected to play a major role on Toronto’s blue line. The Maple Leafs invested heavily in the defenseman, believing his breakout season is sustainable rather than a one-year surge. If he continues producing at an elite level, he could become one of the most impactful defensemen in the NHL over the next decade.
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