Story by
Darren Raddysh joins Maple Leafs in sign-and-trade deal: Top remaining free agents
- Story by
- Darren Raddysh joins Maple Leafs in sign-and-trade deal: Top remaining free agents
Top NHL free agent defenseman Darren Raddysh is off the market after being acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade deal on Friday, June 19.
Raddysh gets an eight-year deal worth a reported $8.5 million a year . The Lightning received a fifth-round pick in the trade.
Advertisement
The 30-year-old defenseman had a breakout season with 22 goals and 70 points and filled in well while Tampa Bay 's Victor Hedman was out with injuries and personal leave. His top season before that was 37 points, so there's some risk with the term in the deal.
"Darren has emerged as one of the NHL's premier two-way defensemen, combining elite puck-moving ability with poise, competitiveness, and strong play in all three zones," Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said.
This year's once-spectacular crop of free agents has been whittled down with Connor McDavid , Kirill Kaprizov , Jack Eichel , Artemi Panarin , Adrian Kempe , Kyle Connor , Evgeni Malkin and others signing extensions.
But there are intriguing names left on the board. Here's what to know about NHL free agency:
Advertisement
When does NHL free agency open?
The free agent market opens at noon ET on July 1.
Who are the top NHL unrestricted free agents?
10. Anders Lee , New York Islanders
He has been the Islanders' captain since 2018 and is good for 20-plus goals, though he had 19 in 2025-26. Current cap hit: $7 million.
9. Bobby McMann , Seattle Kraken
He had a career-best 29 goals in 2025-26 and took off after his trade from Toronto to Seattle, getting 10 goals and 14 points in 18 games. Current cap hit:$1.35 million
8. Mason Marchment , Columbus Blue Jackets
He struggled with the Seattle Kraken after his offseason trade, but his trade to Columbus revived his season with 32 points in 39 games. He's also an agitator. Current cap hit:$4.5 million.
Advertisement
7. Anthony Mantha , Pittsburgh Penguins
He's the third-highest-scoring player on the free agent list with 64 points after he signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. Will a general manager be tempted to think he can do that again or look at his subpar production before that? Current cap hit: $2.5 million.
6. Viktor Arvidsson , Boston Bruins
The forward bounced back from a couple subpar seasons and had 25 goals and 54 points after being traded to Boston. Current cap hit:$4 million.
5. Sergei Bobrovsky , Florida Panthers
The goalie won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and two Vezina Trophies. He'll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.
Advertisement
4. Alex Ovechkin , Washington Capitals
The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer is expected to either re-sign with the Capitals or retire. Otherwise, he'd be higher on the list. He scored 32 goals at age 40. Current cap hit:$9.5 million.
3. John Carlson , Anaheim Ducks
Carlson, the Capitals' all-time leader in scoring among defensemen, was traded to the Ducks in a shocker. He totaled 60 points in 71 games. Current cap hit: $8 million.
2. Rasmus Andersson , Vegas Golden Knights
The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this season by the Flames. He can provide offense with one 50-point season and others topping 40 points, including 47 points in 2025-26. He had an average playoffs. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.
Advertisement
1. Alex Tuch , Buffalo Sabres
The forward can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He had 33 goals this season as the Sabres ended a 14-season playoff drought. After scoring four goals in the first round, he was held without a point in the second round as the Sabres lost in seven games. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.
Others to watch: Patrick Kane , Frederik Andersen , Mats Zuccarello , Brent Burns
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darren Raddysh off market in Maple Leafs deal; top free agents left
