What happened: The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade, reportedly sending a 2026 fifth-round pick the other way. Raddysh, who developed into a regular right-shot blueliner, joins Toronto's defensive corps for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Why it matters: The move addresses Toronto's long-standing need for puck-moving help on the right side of its defense as it retools for another deep run. Landing Raddysh through a sign-and-trade rather than free agency lets the Maple Leafs lock in his rights while paying only a mid-round pick, a low-cost path to filling a roster gap.

What to watch: Watch for the contract terms and dollar figure on Raddysh's new deal, and how Toronto slots him into its right-side defensive rotation heading into training camp.