Pundits are expecting the Toronto Maple Leafs to target a puck-moving defenseman this offseason. And impending UFA Darren Raddysh seems like the perfect candidate. But given the way this past season went for Toronto, the club should just forget about Raddysh and target another impending UFA, Brett Kulak, instead.
For one thing, Raddysh could just be a one-year wonder. His breakthrough year this season seems to be a harbinger of what’s to come. However, the 30-year-old’s body of work does not suggest this could be the beginning of a new trend.
In fact, Raddysh could just be the latest example of a player who just happens to set career-highs during a contract year. While several teams will be looking to bring him into the fold, there is reason for cautious optimism.
Kulak, on the other hand, is a known commodity. He’s been the elite defensive defenseman that the Colorado Avalanche needed to balance the NHL’s best blue line. And he’s the sort of blueliner the Maple Leafs need next season.
The reasoning behind that assertion is simple. In 2025-26, the Maple Leafs sorely missed their best shutdown defenseman, Chris Tanev. Tanev’s absence left a gaping hole in the Leafs’ blue line. While missing Tanev wasn’t the sole reason for Toronto’s implosion, it was a major one.
Even if Tanev returns next season, bringing Kulak into the fold would boost the Leafs’ defense corps’ overall stability. It’s hardly a stretch to think that Kulak would be an upgrade over other defensive-minded blueliners like Simon Benoit or Troy Stecher.
Maple Leafs to Face Competition for Kulak
Considering the thin free agent class in 2026, the Maple Leafs would face some competition should Kulak hit the market.
There’s every reason to believe the Avalanche will try to keep Kulak. But assuming he prices himself out of Colorado, Toronto would have to compete with just about every team in the league.
Pretty much every team will be looking for defensive help, with Kulak seeming sensible for plenty of other clubs.
That said, Kulak could be looking at a raise from his current $2.75 million cap hit. The question isn’t if he gets a raise. The question will be how much. That’s where another team out there might be willing to blow everyone else out of the water with an exorbitant offer.
If the Maple Leafs could land Kulak on a decent contract, he would make a ton of sense for Toronto as they look to turn things around in 2026-27.
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Raddysh Likely Expensive Experiment for Toronto
As for Raddysh, he could turn into an expensive experiment for the Maple Leafs. The online rhetoric has urged Toronto to make a play for Raddysh. According to said chatter, the previous Brad Treliving administration was high on Raddysh.
That situation may have changed now that John Chayka is at the helm. As such, the Leafs may be a bit more cautious about pursuing Raddysh. While this season could be the launchpad for Raddysh as a steady top-pairing defenseman, he’s far from a sure thing.
And that’s what makes Raddysh a risky proposition.
Unless the term and dollar figures make sense for the Maple Leafs, the best bet might be to pass on Raddysh and focus on a safer bet like Kulak.
Maple Leafs Should Forget Raddysh and Target Other UFA D-Man