"That said, Raddysh could be a fine addition to the Leafs' blue line. He's a right-shot, booms the puck from the point, and comes with good size. If the 29-year-old makes it to UFA status, he could fit in very well. But there's something that the team should keep in mind before handing out a huge free-agent contract. Raddysh could be a flash in the pan. The undrafted blueliner is in his third full NHL season. He's put up back-to-back 30-point seasons."
"Raddysh's emergence this season is eerily reminiscent of Brandon Montour's rise a few seasons ago. Mountour had never really gotten past 30 points in his first eight NHL seasons. He then had a breakout season in 2022-23 with the Florida Panthers, scoring 16 goals and 73 points. He regressed to his career averages the following season, but won a Stanley Cup with the Panthers. That was his contract year, and he cashed in."
Darren Raddysh is a right-shot defenseman with size and a powerful shot who has produced back-to-back 30-point seasons in his third full NHL year. At 29 and heading toward UFA status, he could fit well on Toronto's blue line and help improve the team's defense. There is a risk that this season represents a temporary spike rather than a sustained level of play. Brandon Montour's contract-year breakout followed by regression serves as a cautionary example of overpaying based on a single standout season. Toronto should weigh upside against regression risk before offering a large long-term contract.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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