Raddysh’s Big Leap to Leafs | NHL News

0:00It's September 15th. NHL News Today starts now, AI powered and ready for kickoff. Darren Raddish has signed an 8-year deal worth $68 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and yeah, that's a lot of coin for a guy who hadn't really lit it up before last season. He's 30 years old and suddenly dropped 22 goals and 70 points in 73 games. People are comparing this to past signings that didn't pan out, but his friends and former teammates are saying this time is different. See, Raddish spent 9 years in the minor leagues and bounced around a few NHL teams before last year. Injuries and Tampa Bay opened the door for him and he really stepped up, helping them make the playoffs. He was tied for 3rd among defensemen and goals was 17 and even chipped in 10 power play goals. He was playing a lot more minutes and facing tougher competition, really growing as a player. Friend Mitch Marner, who's known him for over 15 years, believes Raddish is built for this. Marner says Raddish has been grinding for years, waiting for a shot like this and he's

1:03earned every bit of it. He's not just a score, he's a two-way defenseman who can handle the tough matchups and has a killer shot. The lease are hoping Raddish can be the power play weapon they've been missing from the defense since Brian McCabe back in 2006. They need someone who can consistently put the puck in the net from the blue line, something they only got 28 goals from their defensemen. Last season. It's a big expectation for someone who was flying under the radar just a year ago. But Marner insists Raddish won't fold under the pressure. He points to Raddish's relentless work ethic and his willingness to be physical. He's seen Raddish work his tail off for years and now that he's finally getting paid and playing for his hometown team, Marner is Coffin and Hill. Prove everyone right.