Darren Raddysh says joining Leafs was a ‘no-brainer’

Raddysh broke out this past season with 22 goals and 48 assists. Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Darren Raddysh says joining Leafs was a ‘no-brainer’

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Ryan Cuneo | Last updated Jun 22, 2026 3:04 PM ET

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Sunday’s blockbuster trade between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers, which saw star winger Brady Tkachuk head to Florida for a package of draft picks, might be getting all the headlines, but we can’t forget about the other deal between Atlantic Division rivals that unofficially kicked off the NHL’s offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, from the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 19th for a fifth-round draft pick, and then promptly signed Raddysh to an eight-year, $68 million contract extension.

Raddysh spoke with the media on Monday for the first time since the trade, calling his decision to commit long-term to the Leafs a “no-brainer.”

Darren Raddysh says it was a no-brainer to agree to join the Maple Leafs.
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) June 22, 2026

Raddysh is a Toronto native, and addressed the opportunity to play in his home town for the team he cheered for growing up.

“Playing in the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League), you’re always watching the Leafs on a Saturday night,” he said. “Everyone pretty much always wants to come back here, and it’s super exciting to get that opportunity.”

Asked Darren Raddysh about being a Toronto-area player joining the Leafs @TLNdc @DailyFaceoff

"Playing in the GTHL, you're always watching the Leafs on a Saturday night. Everyone pretty much always wants to come back here, and it's super exciting to get that opportunity."
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) June 22, 2026

The 30-year-old defenseman had a breakout campaign this past season for Tampa Bay, scoring 22 goals and adding 48 assists for 70 points in 73 games played, while averaging just under 23 minutes of ice time. Leafs general manager John Chayka is expecting Raddysh to bolster the team’s blueline, quarterback the power play, and help bring Toronto back to the playoffs next year.

Raddysh spoke about Chayka’s vision for this Leafs team.

“He’s an analytics guy and that’s something I pride myself in, too,” Raddysh said. “He’s excited about this team, and getting the team where it needs to be.”

Darren Raddysh on Leafs GM John Chayka: "He's an analytics guy and that's something I pride myself in, too. He's excited about this team, and getting the team where it needs to be."
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) June 22, 2026

Raddysh also talked about looking forward to meeting his new teammates in Toronto.

“A few guys reached out to me. We haven’t really talked too much about playing in Toronto yet, a lot of guys have reached out, they’re super excited to have me,” Raddysh said. “I’m super excited to meet all the guys and pick their brains a little bit.”

Darren Raddysh: "A few guys reached out to me. We haven't really talked too much about playing in Toronto yet, a lot of guys have reached out, they're super excited to have me. I'm super excited to meet all the guys and pick their brains a little bit."
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) June 22, 2026

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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