If you’ve had the displeasure of watching the Maple Leafs this season, you know the story. For long stretches of play we’ve been getting caved in. At times the defensive structure looks like a suggestion, rather than an iron clad system implemented by a Stanley Cup winning coach. And the power play? Don’t get me started on the powerplay.

The Leafs entered the Olympic break ranked 24th overall on the powerplay, with a PP% of 17.6%, well below the league average. It’s clear watching the team, Morgan Rielly is no longer the player he once was and he no longer possesses a shot that scares other teams. Instead, Rielly’s muffin of a shot from the blueline is one of the easiest shots in the league to block and is incredibly predictable. 

With all the Maple Leafs’ offensive abilities coming from the left side of their defense, it’s clear. The team is in desperate need of a right-shot defenseman who can actually move the needle, not just fill a jersey. In addition to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, the Leafs need a right handed defender who can produce offensively. 

The rumors have already begun to swirl, Nick Kypreos mentioned in a recent article in the Toronto Star, and for once, there might be more than meets the eye. Raddysh is a pending unrestricted free agent, who is currently putting up career numbers for the Tampa Bay Lightning. And frankly, he brings the kind of “screw you” energy this blue line has been lacking for years. 

But I know what you’re thinking. Is this another flash in the pan? Is this Erik Gustafsson 2.0 where a player puts up a career year and then never replicates the same results? Or a Brandon Montour situation, where an enhanced role unlocks production at a higher level? 

After diving into the numbers, I don’t think this is a heater. No, I feel that this level of production is sustainable. Here is the case for why Brad Treliving or whoever is the General Manager of this team on July 1st needs to do whatever it takes to bring Darren Raddysh home to Toronto.

The “Sustainability” Receipts

We aren’t looking for a guy who is riding a PDO bender. We need a guy who drives play. Look at what Raddysh is doing this season (2025-26) compared to the league average.

1. The Shot is Real (and Elite)

This isn’t luck, it’s physics. Raddysh currently sits in the 99th percentile for hardest average shot, clocking in with an average of 75.97 mph over 8 mph over league average. Raddysh also ranks in the 97th percentile of highest shot speed, clocking in with a top speed of 100.13 mph. Raddysh currently has 23 more shots between 90-100 mph than the next highest ranked player in the league. 

Why it matters: The Leafs’ don’t currently present with a slapshot risk from the blueline. The Leafs lack a right handed shooting threat, a role Raddysh excels in. Raddysh forces goalies to respect the point, which creates an opportunity to open up lanes for Matthews and Nylander. When he shoots, Raddysh creates chaos, a skillset the Leafs lack. 

2. Expected Goals are through the Roof

Through 45 games this season, his actual production is matching his underlying metrics.

xGF/60 (Expected Goals For per 60): 2.93. That is elite territory.

GF% (Goals For Percentage): 65.38%.

The Translation: When Raddysh is on the ice, Tampa controls the game. He isn’t getting carried by Kucherov, despite some claims. These stats actually show that his relative stats show it’s actually Raddysh that’s driving play. 

You don’t play 25:48 against Buffalo or 29:38 against Boston (as he did earlier this month) by accident. Jon Cooper trusts him in all situations. Raddysh continues to play top-pairing minutes and is thriving, not just surviving.

The Fit

Heading into this summer, for the first time in years the Leafs are projected to finally have some actual cap flexibility (approx. $20M). This will allow the organization to finally stop shopping in the bargain bin for defensemen and instead have the opportunity to shop at the top of the market. 

Raddysh is a right-shot defender, who absolutely destroys the pucks. He plays with an edge, averages over a hit and a block per game. He is 29 years old, entering in his prime. He fixes the top power-play unit immediately and gives Toronto a genuine option to eat minutes. 

The Bottom Line

This production is not an anomaly, it’s a breakout. His shooting talent is rated 5% above league average, meaning he’s a finisher. Toronto has been hesitant to swing big on defense, but the window is now. Raddysh is the real deal. If he hits the open market on July 1, the Leafs need to be the first call.