Maple Leafs Insider Expects Rielly Trade to Sign Point-Per-Game Defenseman

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s that the blue line needs a shake-up, whether that comes by the trade deadline or in the offseason. One way or another, the addition of one—or even multiple—puck-moving, offensive defensemen is necessary.

Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos is well aware of that, and on Wednesday, he suggested that word on the street is the Maple Leafs plan on trading Morgan Rielly in order to create the cap space to find that.

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The guy he specifically referred to them targeting is Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who’s been red-hot of late, currently sixth among NHL defensemen in scoring. Not only does he think GM Brad Treliving—or whoever may be in charge at that time—should pull it off, but he believes it’s bound to happen.

Kypreos said:

“What will happen is that you move Morgan out, and you go sign Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning. As far as I’m concerned, it’s already done. It’s already done. Oh, come on. Toronto boy, he’s got a bomb of a shot, which you haven’t had in years. It’s done,”

The 29-year-old Raddysh is in the midst of a career season, having already racked up 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 48 games. He’s, of course, a pending UFA in year two of the two-year, $1.975 million extension signed with the Lightning in 2023.

Meanwhile, Reilly, 31, has tallied 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) across 54 games, and is in year four of the eight-year, $60 million extension signed to stay in Toronto back in 2021.

Darren Raddysh Makes a Lot of Sense for the Maple Leafs

Kypreos certainly isn’t wrong to wonder about Raddysh being a fit for the Maple Leafs, because it’s quite obvious that he is.

Toronto’s lack of offense, puck-moving ability, and overall juice from the back end has been a weakness for years, especially as Rielly’s game has taken a step back. Raddysh can provide all of that, along with the aforementioned rocket of a shot from the point that could beautifully quarterback the Maple Leafs’ top power-play unit—something they’ve truly never had before.

The only issue with signing Raddysh is that he’s likely to command a significant price tag coming off a career year, and it’s fair to wonder whether this is who he truly is, or if his real production level falls somewhere between his 2025–26 output and numbers from past seasons.

That said, to get what you want, sometimes you’ve got to pay the price, so if Raddysh does indeed hit free agency, the Maple Leafs absolutely have to look into bringing the Toronto, Ontario native home.

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