Stealing Alex Tuch and Darren Raddysh from division rivals guarantees intense Toronto pushback
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images; Keito Newman-Imagn Images
Alex Tuch and Darren Raddysh are available and the Maple Leafs are praying they get their hands on them which no doubt changes their identity, and upset some too.
Buried in the end of a Toronto Star article about Radko Gudas, Nick Kypreos reveals two names that will likely be on the Toronto Maple Leafs radar for free agency this offseason.
Kypreos names two pending unrestricted free agents, Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch ans Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh, as potential options for Toronto.
Neither player comes as a surprise as possible signings for the Leafs, both players being two of the top free agents, but already linked to the Leafs as clear fits and needs for an upgraded roster next season.
Tuch, a 29-year-old right winger, has 32 goals, 33 assists, & 65 points in 79 games this season for Buffalo, in his fifth season with the club.
Raddysh, 30, has been one of, if not the biggest breakout player of the 2025-26 NHL season, scoring 22 goals and 70 points in 72 games as a defenseman, seventh in points only four and a half years ago at the age of 26.
Why targeting Alex Tuch and Darren Raddysh completely transforms the locker room identity
The Toronto Maple Leafs offseason focus will likely have Toronto target both a top forward and a top defenseman in free agency in what is needed to be a successful offseason after missing the playoffs.
Toronto's offseason shopping will need to ensure the team adds quality players, and not trying to find 'perfect fits' as Brad Treliving did last season, to little success.
The Leafs are not able to afford waiting for the right piece to fall to their laps as free agents, they need clear skilled players to boost their roster.
A rising cap helps the Leafs feel comfortable adding, but would be taking a risk of a late blooming Raddysh and a potentially high-priced Tuch.
Still, after the Leafs season they just had, overpaying may be the only way to force the team's way back into the playoff picture next season.
Poaching established heavy talent instantly accelerates the summer retool for the Maple Leafs
The Leafs evident desperation for top end roster support makes the top free agent options such as Darren Raddysh and Alex Tuch necessities for Toronto.
Not only is adding top talent a must for Toronto, but their depth needs a clear boost with Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy gone, and Calle Jarnkrok potentially out after this season.
Although they finally got their chance in the lineup, youngsters William Villeneuve and Luke Haymes may not be answers right away next season, and Toronto needs depth.
If Toronto misses out of one or both of Raddysh and Tuch, they will have to focus on other big names or go to the trade market to help solve their lack of depth though with a brand new second-round pick at their disposal, they could make a move.
The Toronto Maple Leafs don't really have any other chance but to have an offseason that may put them in a bind financially, but their failures this season has forced them into needing to be serious offseason spenders.
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