The Tampa Bay Lightning enjoyed another strong regular season, finishing with 106 points before their playoff run ended in the first round against the Montreal Canadiens.
Now, with the NHL salary cap increasing for 2026-27, general manager Julien BriseBois has more room to work with and appears focused on keeping one of the team’s top free agents from reaching the open market.
TB Lightning Move to Retain Maple Leafs Target
Darren Raddysh recently completed a two-year, $1.95 million contract after enjoying a breakout campaign with the Lightning, and all eyes are on what kind of payday he bags this summer.
Raddysh became a key part of Tampa Bay’s defense this season, recording 70 points in 73 games. He took on a bigger role when Victor Hedman was sidelined by injuries and also ran the Lightning’s top power-play unit, helping establish himself as one of the league’s top offensive defensemen.
This week, NHL insider Dave McCarthy reported, “My understanding is that the Tampa Bay Lightning’s opening offer to Darren Raddysh a few weeks ago was five years at $5.75M AAV. Will be interesting to see where this goes.”
A five-year contract worth $5.75 million annually would carry a total value of $28.75 million, signaling Tampa Bay’s commitment to keeping Raddysh in the organization.
BriseBois also has a unique advantage in negotiations. Florida’s lack of a state income tax allows Tampa Bay to offer contracts that can be more attractive than similar deals in higher-tax markets.
All signs point to Tampa Bay making a strong push to secure Raddysh on a long-term extension before he has the opportunity to test free agency.
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Why the Maple Leafs Could Be a Threat
The urgency is understandable. Skilled right-shot defensemen who can produce offense and run a power play are hard to find, and there are expected to be very few available in free agency.
That has naturally linked Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The fit is easy to understand. Raddysh is a Toronto native, and the opportunity to play for his hometown team could be appealing. The Maple Leafs have also been searching for a reliable right-handed defenseman who can move the puck, contribute offensively, and strengthen both their top pairing and special teams.
If Raddysh reaches the open market on July 1, competition could become intense. Some league observers believe interested teams could push his asking price well beyond Tampa Bay’s reported offer, potentially into the $7.5 million to $8.5 million AAV range.
While a five-year, $28.75 million proposal is a significant commitment, many around the league view it as just the starting point in negotiations. After breaking Dan Boyle’s franchise record for goals by a Lightning defenseman with 22, Raddysh enters contract talks with considerable leverage and plenty of interest from around the NHL.
