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Maple Leafs Acquire Defenseman in Trade with Lightning
The Maple Leafs obtained a defenseman from the Lightning for a fifth-round draft pick. The player signed an eight-year contract extension with the acquiring team.
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The Maple Leafs acquired a defenseman from the Lightning in exchange for Toronto's fifth-round selection in the 2026 NHL draft. The defenseman signed an eight-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs worth $8.5 million annually.
The defenseman recorded career highs of 22 goals, 48 assists and 70 points during the 2025-26 season while averaging 22 minutes and 42 seconds of ice time per game over 73 contests. A portion of those points came on a power play that included multiple high-scoring forwards.
The new contract represents an increase over the $836,000 base salary the player earned last season. The team stated the player combines puck-moving ability with strong play in all three zones. The Lightning received a fifth-round draft pick for the negotiating rights to the defenseman.
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