Confirmed Trade: [TOR/TBL] Darren Raddysh (signs 8 years, $8.5M AAV) for 2026 5th round pick (MOD WARNING 253)

[K Fleur]

People on this board act like 30 is some kinda death sentence for players.

Like we’re talking about NFL running backs or something. Cause we’ve never seen any hockey player, especially defenseman, continue to play well in their 30’s.

I guess it’s to be expected for “hockey’s future boards”

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

What you should gather is I rely on data and risk management. It’s surprisingly a much better tool in terms of delivering results than “he still would have produced “, which you have zero evidence for. A co-worker once said “opinions are like certain bodily orifices…everyone has one”. I prefer data. Much more reliable.

Fantastic, lay out that data, I'd be happy to review it. Please make sure to include all situations and opportunity and deployment as well since you love that data so much. Ill wait.

 

[KniesMadeBradyCry]

What meltdown we wanted this to happen a guy who usually gets 25 points a year gets almost 9 million for 8 years what could go wrong?

There are so many things you don’t understand about hockey or contracts that explaining it to you would be a complete waste of time. Instead we will get to see your typical incoherent rambling/trolling that we see in every Leafs thread

 

[CDJ]

There’s risk involved with any free agent contract

If he continues to play like he did last season it’s a nice piece of business for Toronto, if he reverts back to what he was before then it’s probably gonna be something they regret

$8mill isn’t what it used to be though, people need to adjust their expectations

 

[DaaaaB's]

8x8 for a 30 year old one year wonder....yikes.

Raddysh could put up over 100 points and the Leafs still won't make playoffs next year.

 

[Stuzchuk]

I dont like this one bit... That looks like a form of Clarkson 2.0.

Ok now, bad in a few years, mediocre by year 6of8

 

[hockeeyyy]

30 is now the new 40 according to HFBoards. Raddysh is currently on his deathbed, applying for MAID.

 

[BringTheReign]

Honestly, I’m just stoked for Raddysh. Can’t imagine what it’s like to grind in the minors for a decade and then sign a $68M deal.

 

[BlueBaron]

David Clarkson 2.0 this is going to be hilarious.

Trying too hard....it's hilarious you think anyone with a brain will take you seriously.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

Which part was bad? The outrageous price of a 5th? The below market value? Ah the terms...because no one ever gets around bad contracts with older players....

Do you expect anyone to take you seriously?

This is probably a decent move, worst case it improved the team for a 5th.

Pack it in haters. Go bug the Oilers. Nothing to see here.

the "paying 8.5 million for a 30 year old who probably had a outlier season" part

 

[The don godfather]

There are so many things you don’t understand about hockey or contracts that explaining it to you would be a complete waste of time. Instead we will get to see your typical incoherent rambling/trolling that we see in every Leafs thread

Reminds of the Redden contract years back rangers .

 

[Divine]

damn, we are comparing Nurse's contract to Raddysh's contract
vibes are down in Toronto

Nah, should compare it to the Q. Hughes contract

 

[Strangle]

The one who is about to be 36? You realize half this thread is making fun of signing a 30 year old right? 36 and not what he was.

30 is directly in a players prime 4 years

I don’t get the hate for signing a 30 year old, any UFA is going to be over 27

Raddysh is 1 year older than marner

 

[TheYardMachine]

I know everyone loves to shit on the Leafs but i think its good for them and makes a lot of sense. They dont have their next 2 years 1st round picks so might as well go all in with the "risky" long term UFA contract

Worst case scenario is it fails and they end up selling their older stars and starts a rebuild. Best case is it works and they make playoffs or at least fight

They can eat the cap without problem if it goes wrong

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

8x8 for a 30 year old one year wonder....yikes.

Raddysh could put up over 100 points and the Leafs still won't make playoffs next year.

An opinion born only out of emotion lol.

 

[KniesMadeBradyCry]

8x8 for a 30 year old one year wonder....yikes.

Raddysh could put up over 100 points and the Leafs still won't make playoffs next year.

I’ll bet ya they finish ahead of Boston

 

[Natey]

Here's a hint: they don't have a first-round pick next season.

This signing, though, is an enormous risk. Raddysh is 30 years old, and unproven. What's their window to compete? If it's during the latter parts of the contract, it might actively hinder them. This is a "win now"-style contract, but they're in no place to try to win now.

Yeah, I know they don't. I don't think they have it 2028 either.

So to me, a rebuild makes so much more sense. I get why they don't want too, but I to me this feels like a Marc Bergevin style patch job.

Hope it works for the fans, I don't see it.

 

[Zybalto]

What meltdown we wanted this to happen a guy who usually gets 25 points a year gets almost 9 million for 8 years what could go wrong?

He's been a full time NHLer for 3 seasons. 33, 37, and 70 points with little PP time the first 2 seasons. It's 8.5 not 9. Should I say "almost 8"?

No need to fudge numbers to make your points. Other teams would be all over him too if he obviously didnt want to come home and he probably gets more elsewhere.

 

[kevsh]

Having a #1 Dman you can trust on the ice in all situations matters so much to success. Raddysh does not solve that conundrum and it is clear why Tampa is letting him walk.

He does solve the issues the Leafs have with getting the puck out of their zone, powerplay QB and a shot from the point.

While they'd love it if he was also elite defensively, their biggest need by a mile is what he brings.

I'm assuming that the because the Bolts still have Hedman it made Raddysh expendable. Totally different situations and needs, which is why he's in Toronto and not still in Tampa.

 

[ijuka]

People on this board act like 30 is some kinda death sentence for players.

Like we’re talking about NFL running backs or something. Cause we’ve never seen any hockey player, especially defenseman, continue to play well in their 30’s.

I guess it’s to be expected for “hockey’s future boards”

Are the Leafs competing for the cup next 3 years? If not, during which window do the most questionable years of this contract land?

 

[BlueBaron]

the "paying 8.5 million for a 30 year old who probably had a outlier season" part

Even if he was a 50 point D he would get that on the open market, if not more. His Cap hit is nothing in this era.

 

[Gizmokov]

8.5 was less than I thought.

Those darn Toronto tax benefits screwing over the league again

 

[hockeeyyy]

the "paying 8.5 million for a 30 year old who probably had a outlier season" part

The numbers don't suggest an outlier season. He had two seasons prior that showed positive underlying numbers that supported his play. Is he a 1D? Absolutely not. But he can manage his end, move the puck, and shoot bombs from the point -- a feature our defense sorely lacked.

 

[Boud]

He doesn’t get more than 8.5M a year.

Calling it right now.

Called it.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

I’ll bet ya they finish ahead of Boston

The top 5 pick these Bruins fans are yearning for may be their own lol.