The Toronto Maple Leafs could be getting fresh hope in their rumored pursuit of a Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, even as Tampa Bay remains focused on its ongoing playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens.
Despite the Lightning’s 4-3 overtime loss in Game 1 on Sunday, speculation surrounding their roster hasn’t slowed down. A new insider update has only intensified talk that Toronto may still have a realistic path to landing one of Tampa Bay’s breakout blue-liners.
Maple Leafs Gain Momentum in Tampa Bay D-Man Chase
The player at the center of the rumors is Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh. The 30-year-old is in the final season of his two-year, $1.95 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, with no extension currently in place.
Raddysh is coming off a breakout campaign, posting 70 points, including 22 goals and 48 assists, in 73 games while maintaining a strong +21 rating. He also found the back of the net in Game 1, further highlighting his offensive impact from the blue line.
Before the trade deadline, Leafs insider Nick Kypreos linked the Maple Leafs to Raddysh, even suggesting Toronto could consider moving Morgan Rielly as part of a broader reshaping of their defense. No deal materialized at the time, and the speculation cooled, until now.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Tampa Bay may face a difficult negotiation if Raddysh tests the open market. “The Lightning are gonna do what they can to keep him, but if we know anything about (GM) Julien BriseBois…he’s only gonna go to a certain number; he’s not gonna bid against what the potential bids on July 1st are,” Johnston reported.
That assessment suggests teams like Toronto could step in with a more aggressive offer. If the Maple Leafs are willing to outspend Tampa Bay, they may have a legitimate shot at prying Raddysh away.
BriseBois has already indicated that extension talks are on hold until after the season, noting that Raddysh has earned consideration for what he described as a potential “game-changing contract” depending on his market value.
What Could Raddysh’s Next Contract Look Like?
One possible comparison is Jake Walman’s seven-year, $49 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers, carrying a $7 million cap hit. Similar production could put Darren Raddysh in that range if bidding heats up.
With Raddysh elevating his game, the Tampa Bay Lightning must decide whether to extend him or risk losing him in free agency. The latest update keeps the door open for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make a serious push.
