In return, the Lightning received a fifth-round pick in the June draft. Raddysh signed an eight-year deal worth $68 million with an AAV of $8.5 million, Sportsnet can confirm.
“We are thrilled to add a defenceman of Darren’s caliber to our organization,” Maple Leafs GM John Chayka said in a statement provided by the team. “Darren has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier two-way defencemen, combining elite puck-moving ability with poise, competitiveness, and strong play in all three zones. He strengthens our blue line in every situation and is exactly the type of player we want helping lead this team.”
Raddysh, 30, had a breakout season with the Lightning in 2025-26, posting 22 goals and 70 points. He was also a plus-21 and averaged 22:42 of ice time. All were career highs.
The Toronto native was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Undrafted after five seasons with the OHL’s Erie Otters, Raddysh signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018 and spent parts of six seasons in the American Hockey League before becoming an NHL regular.
Raddysh was signed by the Lightning as a free agent on July 28, 2021, and has career totals of 35 goals and 108 assists for 143 points in 249 games.
–with files from The Canadian Press