OverDrive - Raddysh on joining the Maple Leafs, representing his hometown team and the roster changes

Episode Date: June 22, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Darren Raddysh joined OverDrive to discuss signing an eight-year contract with the Maple Leafs, his excitement to represent Toronto, his GTHL days becoming a reality back in the city, his role outside of his electric shot, John Chayka's changes to the team and more.

Catch everything soccer with Bell's game time bundle. Get 5 TV with TSN plus 5150 internet, all for $99 a month. Price guaranteed for two years with a two-year internet and TV term and auto pay credit. Visit bell.ca for more details and to check availability. Bell, connection is everything. And they brought in a good Toronto boy, GTHL alum. Here's the newest Maple Leaf, Darren Radish. How you doing, Darren?

I'm doing good. Thanks for having me. Absolutely. Who did you play for the GTHL? I played to the Toronto Marley's growing up in Marlborough there for seven years Yes so George Bell was that your home rink or what No it was a Tobico Canlan Okay so you're too young before I got there Too young for George Bell but you referenced that in your press conference today

Like playing in that league being from Toronto As a reason why you'd want to be here like why is you know your history the way you grew up here in the city, why was that a part of the journey to get back here and ultimately play for the Maple Leafs? Yeah, I think, you know, just, you know, growing up watching them every day

and, you know, you always wanted to be like the guys on TV and, you know, getting the opportunity to play in the NHL, it's a special one. And I think, you know, every time we do come back to Toronto, it's always fun and it's always special. So, you know, to get to do that every night It's a dream for me, and I'm just looking forward to the opportunity. Aaron, what was the first thing that entered your mind?

I would assume when your agent first brought to your attention, the possibility of playing in Toronto. Was it just being home, playing in front of friends and family? Was it putting on the jersey? Is it this crazy media that everyone talks about these days? Like, what is the first couple things that entered your mind? I definitely was thinking about family. And, you know, the last year's been pretty tough for my family.

And my dad was a big part of that. And he always grew up watching hockey and wanted us to play hockey. And it was always a dream of his for us to play in the NHL. And for my brother and I to get there, that's special. But to play for Toronto, it's something that I cherish. And, you know, I'm looking forward to living out his dream and getting able to do that. Just a follow up on that with the media, you played in Tampa.

Like what was, like, what were the conversations about the media in Tampa versus the Canadian market? Because it's much talked about now with guys playing in Canada and what they have to deal with. Like, what is your interpretation of what both markets can present? I think they're, you know, they're similar in their own rights. You know, obviously talking is a lot bigger in Canada and in Toronto especially. You know, that's what everyone talks about. And, very fully so. It's, you know, everyone here loves the game and everyone wants to, you know, everyone wants to see the team do well.

So, yeah, you know, the markets are, like I said, pretty similar in their own rights, but, you know, hockey definitely takes the cake here in Toronto. With Darren Radoes. So in terms of Tampa and leaving Tampa, you had such a great year last year. You know, you put up 20 plus goals, 70 plus points. You know, you had been in Tampa now for a while. but what was it about last year that popped for you? What allowed you to kind of explode, especially offensively the way you did last year?

I think it was just getting an opportunity. You know, playing on the first power play, getting to play a lot of minutes. That helps and, you know, just, you know, trying to make sure you're doing the right things. And, yeah, you know, the opportunity that I got was awesome. And, you know, you just try to keep doing, try and take a day by day

and make sure you're giving the best version of yourself. You know, I think everything just clicked in Tampa there and, you know, just that fortunate to play with a lot of good players. Well, and your shot is something that, you know, a lot of people buzz about and it's been well stated. Anyone that's seen you play, they've seen you, you know, take clapper after clapper after clapper. But I understand you were talking about this today that, you know, it's, you're more than just a big shot on the point. Like, do you take offense by the fact that people continue to reference your shot? and, you know, how else would you describe your game beyond that for leave fans that are excited to have you in town? Yeah, like I said earlier, I think I'm a two-way defenseman.

I take pride in my own end. I don't, I like to, you know, playing the Arizona lot, but, you know, defense comes first. And if you're playing good defense, you know, the offense will come. And, you know, I really, like I said, I really take pride in my own end. And I, you know, try to start from there. So we'll get you out of here in terms of, you know, I think something you were saying earlier today would a lot of people seem to believe could be happening here with the front office, John Chiker and Matt Sundin, how active they could be over the next couple of weeks.

Are you anticipating that? Like, is it your understanding the leaves are going to continue to make moves? Yeah, I think so. I think, you know, what they envision for this team is, you know, to get back to where they want to be. and I think, yeah, I think, you know, there's going to be, there might be some change, but, you know, I'm looking forward to it. And like I said, I'm just excited to meet everyone. I'm excited to get to know all the guys and to get down there and, you know, get the season started.

Well, congrats on the deal. Welcome home. It's going to be a lot of fun to see you play as a Maple Leaf starting next year. So I enjoy the summer. And we'll catch up again in the fall. Thank you for doing this. Appreciate it. Thank you, guys.

There's Darren Radish. the newest member of the Maple Leafs. Pride is like love. You feel it in your heart. IR. Radio. Canada's number one streaming app for radio and podcasts, including IHart Pride Canada, your favorite hits and must have party bangers,

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