Maple Leafs Could Target Rangers’ Former 20-Goal Forward in Intriguing Trade Proposal

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be exploring another move involving a familiar name, with a recent trade proposal connecting the club to New York Rangers forward Taylor Raddysh. The idea has attracted attention because Toronto has already acquired Raddysh’s brother, defenseman Darren Raddysh, this offseason, creating the possibility of both brothers wearing the Maple Leafs jersey.

It is important to emphasize that this is a trade proposal, not a confirmed trade or report that negotiations are underway. The idea gained traction after Toronto completed its deal for Darren Raddysh, when hockey reporter Steve Simmons suggested that the Maple Leafs could potentially pursue his brother as well.

Taylor Raddysh would represent an interesting depth option for Toronto. The 28-year-old right winger is entering the final season of his contract and is scheduled to carry a relatively modest $1.5 million salary for the 2026-27 season. That type of contract could make him an appealing option for a Maple Leafs organization that has to remain conscious of its salary-cap situation. Although Raddysh did not produce at a high level during his first season with New York, he has demonstrated in the past that he can contribute offensively. His best NHL season came with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022-23, when he scored 20 goals and recorded 37 points in 78 games. That season remains an important part of his appeal because it shows that there is some scoring ability that Toronto could potentially try to unlock.

His 2025-26 campaign with the Rangers was much quieter. Raddysh appeared in 68 games and finished with nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points. He also recorded 49 hits and 40 blocked shots, giving him some value beyond simply putting points on the scoreboard. His average ice time was only 11 minutes and 51 seconds per game, which was among the lowest totals of his career.

That usage could actually make the situation interesting for Toronto. If the Maple Leafs believe Raddysh was limited by his role and could perform better with increased opportunities, acquiring him could be a relatively inexpensive gamble. He would not be expected to replace one of Toronto’s major offensive stars. Instead, he could compete for a bottom-six position and provide another right-handed option on the wing.

The contract situation also makes the proposal easier to understand. Raddysh is not locked into a lengthy deal, meaning Toronto would not be assuming significant long-term financial risk. With only one year remaining at $1.5 million, the Maple Leafs could potentially evaluate him during the season and determine whether he fits into their longer-term plans.

There is also the obvious family storyline.

Darren Raddysh’s arrival in Toronto was already one of the more interesting stories of the offseason. The defenseman returned to his hometown team after Toronto acquired his rights from Tampa Bay and subsequently signed him to an eight-year, $68 million contract. Darren grew up as a Maple Leafs fan, and his father, Dwayne, had hoped to see one or both of his sons play for Toronto.

With Darren now established as a major part of Toronto’s blue line, bringing in Taylor would turn the Raddysh family connection into an even bigger storyline. Taylor himself is also an Ontario native and has already played more than 300 NHL games during his career.

From the Rangers’ perspective, however, there could be a logical reason to consider moving him. Raddysh is entering a contract year, and if New York does not view him as part of its longer-term plans, trading him could allow the organization to receive an asset rather than potentially losing him later without a significant return.

Toronto would presumably not need to pay a massive price for a player occupying a depth role. A lower-round draft pick or another depth player could potentially be enough in a hypothetical transaction, although there is currently no indication that such a deal has been agreed upon.

The bigger question is whether Raddysh can rediscover some of the offensive form he showed earlier in his career. His 20-goal season in Chicago demonstrated that he can finish chances when given the right opportunities. Since then, his production has fluctuated. He recorded 27 points with Washington in 2024-25, including seven goals and a career-best 20 assists, before finishing with 19 points in New York last season.

For the Maple Leafs, that makes him a classic low-risk, potentially useful depth target. Toronto would not be acquiring a proven top-line scorer, but it could be adding a player with NHL experience, size, right-handed shooting ability and a previous history of reaching the 20-goal mark.

The proposal therefore makes sense primarily because of the combination of cost, experience and potential upside. If Raddysh could regain even part of his previous offensive production, he could become a useful piece for Toronto’s middle or bottom six.

Still, fans should be careful not to treat the proposal as a done deal. There is currently no confirmation that the Maple Leafs and Rangers have agreed to a trade for Taylor Raddysh. The story is based on speculation and a proposed fit rather than an official transaction.

If Toronto were to make the move, though, it would create one of the more unusual family stories in the NHL: two brothers playing together for the team they grew up watching.

For now, Taylor Raddysh remains a Rangers forward, but his affordable contract, past 20-goal season and connection to Toronto’s newest defenseman make him an intriguing name to watch as the Maple Leafs continue shaping their roster for the upcoming season.