Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Star Defensemen for Free Agency this Summer
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking to bolster their blueline this summer, and an obvious target is Darren Raddysh, a right shot defensemen from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who is becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
However signing Raddysh could be a risk as the 29 year old defensemen has emerged later in his career.
Toronto Maple Leafs need to be cautious with Darren Raddysh.
Nestor Quixtan of Editor in Leaf reported on the risk the Leafs would be taking if they were to acquire Raddysh in the offseason. While he has been impressive the past three seasons, it could be short lived, since he hasn't has as much of a sample size as other top free agents.
"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. That’s not bad for a blueliner. But this year figures to be a breakout season for the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman. That said, is this season just great timing on his part? Or is this year a harbinger of what’s to come?"-Quixtan
The Leafs are in desperate need of reinforcing their d-core, which seems to be a constant problem year in and year out. Their biggest criticism for the past decade has been that they cannot defend at a high enough level to win the big games, and this year it's not even the big game, it's regular season games. It's clear their number one priority is acquiring several solid defensemen for the foreseeable future.
"If the Maple Leafs can land Raddysh at a reasonable cap hit, the deal would make sense. Otherwise, the Leafs might well steer clear of what could be a regrettable contract."-Quixtan
The Leafs will have some big decisions to make at the deadline, and once that concludes a clearer picture will emerge on what they should be doing this summer.
Also read on Blade of steel :
MLSE CEO Keith Pelley forces Brad Treliving to change course at the deadline
MLSE CEO Keith Pelley forces Brad Treliving to change course at the deadline
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14|215 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Star Defensemen for Free Agency this Summer Should the Toronto Maple Leafs pursue Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning? | ||
| Yes | 120 | 55.8 % |
| No | 95 | 44.2 % |
| List of polls | ||