How a fifth-round draft pick rewrote the record books
In short: In 2012, he was an 84th-overall selection with modest physical stature. Fast forward to 2026, and Darren Raddysh has transformed from an undrafted prospect into a franchise-record-breaking powerhouse, proving that offensive brilliance can emerge from the most unexpected origins.
Darren Raddysh’s journey through professional hockey is defined by a steady, historic ascent. Born in February 1996 in Caledon, Ontario, Raddysh’s early development involved practicing skating and shooting at home with his brother, Taylor. His junior career with the Erie Otters in the OHL was marked by significant milestones. In his final major junior season, he became the franchise leader for points by a defenceman with 151 and set a single-season record of 68 points. This dominance earned him the unique distinction of being the first player in OHL history to simultaneously win both the Max Kaminsky Trophy and the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy.
His transition to the professional ranks saw him navigate several organizations, including the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. While his early NHL years were marked by filling roster vacancies during the COVID-19 era, his 2025–26 season with the Lightning stands as a statistical anomaly. Raddysh posted 70 points in 73 games, a feat achieved by only one other Lightning defenceman, Victor Hedman. This offensive surge included a new franchise record for goals by a defenceman in a single season, with 22 goals, surpassing the previous mark of 20 held by Dan Boyle and Hedman.
Beyond individual accolades, Raddysh’s career is intertwined with family history. On January 3, 2026, he recorded his first NHL hat trick, joining his brother Taylor in a rare feat: the two became the first pair of brothers to each score a hat trick against the same team—the San Jose Sharks—in 40 years, a feat last achieved by the Šťastný brothers in 1982. His upward trajectory culminated in a massive June 2026 sign-and-trade deal, where the Toronto Maple Leafs secured him with an eight-year, $68 million contract.
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