Toronto Maple Leafs just solved a major problem with surprise trade

Less than two months into John Chayka's new role as Toronto Maple Leafs general manager, he has just made his biggest move yet.

On Friday morning, TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the Maple Leafs acquired upcoming unrestricted free agent Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Upon acquiring Raddysh, the team has reportedly signed the 30-year-old defenceman to an eight-year deal for more than $8 million a season.

The new deal will be a significant raise for the Caledon, Ont. native who only earned $975,000 last season with Tampa Bay. It'll also put Raddysh's name among the highest-paid defencemen in the NHL.

Confirming that Toronto and Tampa Bay are finalizing a sign-and-trade involving pending UFA Darren Raddysh.
Hearing that it will be an eight-year deal with an AAV in the 8's (north of $8 million).

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 19, 2026

Raddysh is coming off the best season of his career with the Lightning, where he recorded 70 points in 73 games (22 goals and 48 assists), which put him seventh among all defencemen.

The acquisition could address one of the Maple Leafs' biggest issues from last season: an offensive presence on the blue line. 

Toronto's top defensive pairing of Morgan Reilly and Brandon Carlo combined for just 43 points during the 2025-26 campaign — 27 fewer than Raddysh produced on his own.

TRADE: We’ve acquired defenceman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Toronto’s fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 19, 2026

Chayka and the Maple Leafs front office have been busy this week, acquiring defenceman Emil Andrae, goaltender Samuel Ersson, plus a 2026 third-round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for goaltender Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit on Tuesday.

The team also found its next head coach in former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Jim Hiller.

The busy stretch continues for Chakya and company as the franchise inches toward the NHL Draft on June 26, where the Maple Leafs have the first overall pick.