The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are finalizing a sign-and-trade agreement involving pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Darren Raddysh, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN. The deal is expected to carry a maximum term of eight years with an average annual value (AAV) exceeding $8 million.
Per LeBrun, the contract is being structured as a sign-and-trade to allow Raddysh to secure an eight-year duration. Under the current NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, the eighth year is only available to players who re-sign with their current franchise or are traded via a sign-and-trade before the opening of the free agency period. Players hitting the open market are restricted to a seven-year maximum term.
Raddysh, 28, is coming off a breakout 2023-24 season with the Lightning. He appeared in all 82 regular-season games, recording 6 goals and 27 assists for 33 points while averaging 19:14 of ice time per game. His performance during the campaign solidified his role as a top-four defenseman capable of contributing to both the power play and penalty kill units.
An AAV in the "8s" would represent a significant salary cap commitment, placing Raddysh among the highest-paid defensemen on either roster. The specific assets being exchanged between Toronto and Tampa Bay to facilitate the transaction have not yet been confirmed. This move comes as both teams look to solidify their blue lines ahead of the upcoming season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
