Maple Leafs Eyeing a Blue Line Shake-Up - Could Darren Raddysh Be the Answer?
If there’s one thing that’s been painfully clear for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, it’s that their blue line needs a serious upgrade. Whether that help arrives by the trade deadline or during the offseason, the need for a puck-moving, offensively skilled defenseman isn’t just a wish list item-it’s a must-have.
And now, there’s a name that’s starting to gain traction in league circles: Darren Raddysh.
According to reports, there’s growing buzz that the Leafs could look to move veteran Morgan Rielly to clear cap space, potentially paving the way for a run at Raddysh, who’s in the middle of a breakout campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The idea? Swap out a longtime cornerstone for a fresh, high-upside option who can inject some much-needed firepower from the back end.
Let’s break it down.
Raddysh Is Having That Kind of Season
Raddysh, 29, is putting together the kind of year that turns heads around the league. With 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 48 games, he currently ranks sixth among NHL defensemen in scoring.
That’s not just a good stretch-that’s elite production. And he’s doing it while carrying a modest $1.975 million cap hit in the final year of a two-year deal signed in 2023.
For a Leafs team that’s lacked a true offensive threat from the blue line outside of Rielly-and even he’s seen a dip in form-Raddysh’s ability to drive play, quarterback a power play, and unleash a heavy shot from the point would be a major asset. Simply put, he checks a lot of boxes Toronto’s been trying to fill for years.
What About Rielly?
Morgan Rielly, now 31, has been a mainstay on the Leafs’ blue line for nearly a decade. But there’s a growing sense that his best years might be behind him. Through 54 games this season, he’s posted 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists), which is solid, but not quite the top-tier production Toronto needs from its No. 1 defenseman-especially given the $60 million extension he signed in 2021.
Moving Rielly wouldn’t be easy. He’s a respected leader in the room, and his long-term deal carries a significant cap hit. But if the Leafs are serious about retooling their defense and making room for a player like Raddysh, a bold move might be necessary.
A Toronto Homecoming?
There’s also the hometown angle. Raddysh is a Toronto native, and bringing him back to play in front of family and friends could be a compelling piece of the puzzle. That kind of connection can matter-especially when you’re trying to lure a player in free agency.
The catch? Raddysh is going to get paid.
Players don’t put up 50+ points from the blue line without commanding serious attention when they hit the open market. The Leafs would need to be confident that this version of Raddysh is the real deal-not just a one-season wonder.
But even with that caveat, it’s easy to see why the front office might be tempted. Raddysh brings the kind of dynamic, offensive edge that’s been missing from Toronto’s defense for far too long.
And if the Leafs want to take the next step-especially in the postseason-they’ll need more than just steady hands on the back end. They’ll need difference-makers.
The Bottom Line
Raddysh isn’t just a fit for the Leafs-he might be the fit. A right-shot defenseman with offensive instincts, a booming shot, and the confidence to drive play? That’s the kind of player who can tilt the ice in your favor.
Of course, making it happen would require some cap gymnastics and a willingness to part with a franchise mainstay. But if Toronto wants to evolve beyond its recent playoff frustrations, this might be the kind of calculated risk worth taking.
The Leafs’ blue line needs a new identity. Darren Raddysh could be the one to help shape it.