It’s possible that the Maple Leafs are considerably bolstering their defense. Elliotte Friedman says that Darren Raddysh is the subject of a sign-and-trade that is now being negotiated.
Friedman let it go as news late at night. He warned not to expect the transaction to be finalized until the morning, even though Toronto and Tampa Bay are still negotiating it.
The narrative belongs to the player. The 30-year-old defensemen had a breakout 2025-26 with 22 goals and 70 points with a plus-21.
Why is explained by the design. Because Raddysh was on a little $975,000 contract, a sign-and-trade allows Tampa to offer him a raise and send him to Toronto simultaneously.
It’s still being worked on, not finished. However, Friedman’s statement has significant weight.
With the finish line in sight for the morning, the reporting arrived late.
Raddysh would plug the gap Rielly leaves behind
Timing reveals all. According to Pierre LeBrun, Morgan Rielly is apparently going west, and Toronto has been reforming its blue line.
The Leafs’ offensive defensemen were Rielly. Raddysh fills the obvious vacuum left by his departure in the role of moving the puck.
The section below is what truly makes it an advancement. Raddysh recorded 70 points and a plus-21. Rielly recorded a minus-18 and 36 points in a comparable position.
Therefore, Rielly’s offense wouldn’t simply be replaced by Toronto. Based on last season’s results, it would get better, as a defenseman would have the best year of his career.
For a squad in change, that’s a nice gain. A 70-point blue-liner is a top-pair-caliber contributor, not a depth piece.
There are certain restrictions on the sign-and-trade. These depend on the terms and money of the new contract as well as what Toronto returns. Until the transaction and the signing are finished, nothing is official.
Here’s what I read: It’s a smart, decisive action if this comes through. Trade a veteran whose performance is declining for a rising 70-point defenseman through a cap-managing system.
It would also be a significant indication under John Chayka. Toronto is deliberately changing its backend by adding talent rather than simply taking it away.
Even if Rielly leaves, the Leafs’ blue line makes a significant improvement if the agreement is completed in the morning. The restart is finally bringing visitors. Look out for the announcement.
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