Leafs' bold bet: Darren Raddysh could become Toronto's top defenseman
The Maple Leafs acquired Darren Raddysh from the Lightning in a sign-and-trade for a 2026 fifth-round pick and signed him to an eight-year, $68 million contract. Raddysh, who blossomed into a breakout two-way defenseman with strong five-on-five and power-play numbers, is hoped to become Toronto’s No. 1 defenseman, but questions remain about longevity and how he’ll perform in a different environment. The piece grades the deal with the Maple Leafs at C+ and the Lightning at C.