Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner called childhood friend Darren Raddysh’s route to Toronto “unique” after the defenseman’s breakout season. Raddysh posted 70 points in 73 games for Tampa Bay before joining the Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade.
Marner said Raddysh went undrafted, had little NHL success early in his career and then broke out at 30. The defenseman had 48 assists that season and signed an eight-year extension with Toronto worth $8.5 million per season. Marner also cited Raddysh’s shot, power-play skill and willingness to play physically.
Marner called incoming Leafs winger Gavin McKenna “a great kid” and said new goalie Sergei Bobrovsky had posted “great numbers.” With Vegas, Marner came within two wins of his first Stanley Cup last season, when the Golden Knights lost the Final to Carolina in six games. He said the loss would fuel him and voiced confidence the team could win the Western Conference in the coming season.
