Toronto Maple Leafs sign Darren Raddysh, hint at Matthew Knies trade

General manager John Chayka completed a sign‑and‑trade to acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning, sending a 2026 fifth‑round draft pick to Tampa Bay. Raddysh signed an eight‑year contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million, totaling $68 million. He comes off a breakout 2025‑26 season in which he posted 22 goals, 48 assists and 70 points, recorded a plus‑21 rating and led unrestricted‑free‑agent defensemen in power‑play goals.

Chayka praised Raddysh as one of the NHL’s premier two‑way defensemen, noting his puck‑moving ability, poise and competitiveness. The acquisition follows a busy offseason in which the Leafs traded goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson and a 2026 third‑round pick, hired Jim Hiller as head coach, and hold the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft.

Speculation continues around forward Matthew Knies. Media reports cite interest from several clubs, but Chayka told reporters a trade for Knies is “not probable” and would be a “tough bar to hurdle.” The Leafs remain focused on bolstering their blue line while evaluating other roster moves.