Tampa Bay Lightning
· 2026-06-24
The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded defenseman Darren Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal.
Darren Raddysh shared a message on Instagram, thanking the Lightning organization, his teammates, and the fans for their support during his time with the team.
The deal with Toronto is an eight-year contract carrying an average annual value of $8.5 million and includes trade protection.
In return, the Lightning received a fifth-round pick, a significant move for the team's future.
Raddysh got his first NHL opportunity during the 2021-22 season and spent the next several years in and out of the lineup.
He emerged as one of the most sought-after players heading into free agency this year after a breakout season.
The 30-year-old recorded 22 goals and 70 points while finishing plus-21 and averaging 22:42 of ice time per game.
Raddysh tied for sixth among NHL defensemen with 26 power-play points and led all blueliners with 10 power-play goals.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will look to fill the gap left by Raddysh's departure, exploring new options for their lineup.
And with the trade, the team gains a fifth-round pick, which could be used to draft new talent.
But for now, the focus is on Raddysh's departure and the impact it will have on the team.
So the Lightning will move forward, looking to make the most of the upcoming season.
The team's fans, known as Bolts Nation, will surely miss Raddysh's contributions on the ice.
Raddysh's message on Instagram was a heartfelt goodbye to the team and the city of Tampa.
The Lightning organization will look to build on the success they had with Raddysh on the team.