Top-Four Lightning Defenseman Seeks Significant Payday
The Tampa Bay Lightning have done amazing work with undrafted defenseman Darren Raddysh. His fifth year in the organization, and third season as a member of the team, has paid off handsomely.
As a blueliner who has found himself in an enviable position, with Victor Hedman being out nursing an injury earlier this year, he took it upon himself to transform into a player the team needed.
At this point in his career, a 64-point defenseman, who has scored a whopping 20 goals, while benefiting from playing under head coach Jon Cooper, a two-time Stanley Cup winner.
Now Raddysh has carved out a spot for himself in the Lightning lineup as one of the team's reliable players this year.
He's improved upon his 2024-25, 37-point season, where he played 73 games as a member of the Lightning.
Will It Be A J.J. Moser Style Deal?
His contract, which pays him $975K average annual value, expires at the end of the year. According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, he'll be seeking a major pay raise in July.
He'll be aiming for a contract similar to his teammate, J.J. Moser, $6.75 million AAV, which begins in 2026-27.
David Pagnotta: Re Darren Raddysh: He wants that JJ Moser contract, 6 times 6, something along those lines - Leafs Morning Take (3/23)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 25, 2026
Raddysh has had a breakout season in 2025-26, and he continued in last night's game against the Minnesota Wild, scoring 3 points (1-2). He's proven to be a two-way force on the ice for the Lightning.
"When the power play wasn't doing great, he stepped in and helped solidify it," Cooper said. "Like I said, he's kind of taken the reigns when a lot of our leadership and core has been gone. It's been impressive."
How richly will general manager Julien Brisebois and the Lightning reward the undrafted defenseman? We should find it soon enough once free agency begins.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
