The Toronto Maple Leafs' decision to sign Darren Raddysh to an eight-year, $68-million contract has been a topic of much debate. At the time, some argued that it wouldn't age well, while others suggested that he's simply a power play specialist. However, three weeks into the NHL free agency period, the defensive market has exploded, and Raddysh's contract doesn't look so bad anymore. In my opinion, the Maple Leafs made a smart move by signing Raddysh, and here's why.
One of the key factors that has changed the perception of Raddysh's contract is the deal signed by Bowen Byram with the Chicago Blackhawks. Byram, who is five years younger than Raddysh, signed a six-year, $75 million contract, which works out to an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million. This deal has put some pressure on the Maple Leafs' contract, but it also highlights the value of Raddysh's deal.
The defensive market has seen an upturn in contracts this summer, with proven players like Rasmus Andersson and John Carlson signing deals with the Vegas Golden Knights and Lightning, respectively. Andersson re-signed with the Golden Knights for seven years and $59.5 million, while Carlson landed with the Lightning on an AAV of $8.5 million on a short two-year term. This trend has made Raddysh's contract look more reasonable, especially considering his career-high of 22 goals and 70 points in 73 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Another factor to consider is the contract signed by Jacob Trouba with the San Jose Sharks. Trouba, a 32-year-old defenseman, secured a four-year deal with an AAV of $8.25 million. While Trouba had just 35 points in 81 games last season with the Ducks, his career-high of 50 points in 2018-19 makes him a solid player. This deal has also put some pressure on Raddysh's contract, but it also highlights the value of his deal.
In my opinion, the Maple Leafs made a smart move by signing Raddysh. The defensive market has exploded, and his contract doesn't look so bad anymore. Even if Raddysh turns into strictly a powerplay specialist, the fact that the Maple Leafs were able to get him at an AAV of $8.5 million is worth discussing as a contract that has already aged in favor of the Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs got a deal in signing Raddysh long-term, and I think it's a move that will pay off in the future.
