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Insider links Maple Leafs to point-per-game Lightning defenseman


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Alexander Cole
February 4, 2026  (10:20 PM)
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Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) looks to controls the loose puck against the Boston Bruins during the second period in the 2026 Stadium Series ice hockey game at Raymond James Stadium
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

With Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly potentially on his way out, insider Nick Kypreos believes there is a Tampa Bay Lightning player who can come in.

Morgan Rielly is a defenseman who a lot of Toronto Maple Leafs fans want out of the city due to his poor play over the years.
Since 2022, the team is 24-5-1 whenever Rielly misses a game, which just goes to show that sometimes, this team is better without him.
Going into the offseason, it is expected that the Maple Leafs will have a conversation with Rielly about waiving his no-trade clause.
If he does so, the Leafs are going to have to make a deal of some sort. In that case, the Leafs would then have to replace him.

Morgan Rielly out, Darren Raddysh in

According to Nick Kypreos, the most obvious option is Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who is going to be a free agent this summer.
The 29-year-old is from Toronto and is in the midst of a breakout season with 51 points in just 48 games.
What will happen is that you move Morgan (Rielly) out and you go sign Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning. As far as I'm concerned, it's already done.. Toronto boy, he's got a bomb of a shot which you haven't had in years
With 17 goals and a heavy slapshot, Raddysh is certainly a perfect option to put on the Toronto Maple Leafs' blue line.
Only time will tell what is next for the Leafs, and whether or not Raddysh ends up as part of their plans going forward.
Either way, this is going to be a fascinating offseason, for all 32 teams in the NHL.
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Insider links Maple Leafs to point-per-game Lightning defenseman

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