Why Darren Raddysh could be just what Maple Leafs power play has been lacking

Known for having one of hardest shots in the NHL, new Leafs defenceman is a missing element in what has been a static special teams.

Published Jun 19, 2026  •  Last updated 33 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal against the Montréal Canadiens during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. Getty Images

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The attraction of Darren Raddysh for the Maple Leafs’ power play? He’s the bomb. 

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As in the cannon the Leafs have lacked for years when they joined the league-wide trend to use four forwards and one defenceman with the man advantage, none of the five really noted for a fearsome, hard drive versus playing quarterback. 

Even when the power play was performing well, as high as seventh in the NHL a couple of years ago before falling to 15th last season, the goals usually came via William Nylander on perimeter sweeps, Auston Matthews tipping or snapping from close range and John Tavares driving the net.

There was no real boomer available from Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson or whoever manned the point to test goalies, exploit screens or at least take a bite out of a defender. 

How many PP goals did he score?

Enter the right-shooting Raddysh, who scored 10 power-play goals with Tampa Bay last year, which only about one player per NHL team averaged. Those double figures would’ve ranked Raddysh as most by a Leafs defenceman since Bryan McCabe’s 11 nearly 20 years ago.  

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“Those are the easy (decisions), his shot is a weapon,” general manager John Chayka said in dissecting the Raddysh sign-and-trade on Friday’s media Zoom call. “If you’re putting together a ghost roster with a left shot off the flank, having a right shot up top that can bomb it is an obvious strength. 

“It’s just really hard to put those things together at times. As a manager, that’s really appealing. In conversations with the coaches (the Leafs just hired Jim Hiller) and getting their wish lists, you try and satisfy as much of that as you can. 

“But it’s hard and in this case we did think it’s a perfect fit.” 

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Chayka stressed Raddysh can do a lot more for the Leafs. He averaged 22:41 of ice time for John Cooper’s Lightning last season, 38th in the league.    

“His fundamental play doesn’t get the recognition it deserves,” Chayka said. “It’s the 5-on-5 that really moves the needle. 

“He’s just a competitor, a quite leader who plays the game the right away and those are all things in addition to the power play that I think are super important to us.” 

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