Blackhawks Bottom Line: Taylor Raddysh is More Than a ‘Throw-In’

Over the course of the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2022-23 season. Today, will be right wing Taylor Raddysh.

Taylor Raddysh
Forward
Games Played: 78
(Goals – Assists – Points): 20-17-37
Contract Status: 1 Year – $758.3K

The Short View

It was a career year for the forward, who saw limited time in his time with Tampa Bay. With a short stint last season with Chicago, Raddysh made the most of his time this season and buried 20 goals, and 37 points. His career high in all three categories eclipsed his career total heading into the 2022-23 season. The rugged forward was often in front of the net, hacking and smacking pucks past goalies or fighting his way through crowds to do so.

The Long View

Talk about a value deal. When the Blackhawks dealt Brandon Hagel to the Tampa Bay Lightning, it netted them two first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 as well as Raddysh and Boris Katchouk. Raddysh’s response was to the increased role was his 37 points and 20 goals. Suddenly, what was a young expendable player for Tampa Bay became a case of development and important role player for Chicago. On a rebuilding team, Raddysh was tied for the most goals on the team with Andreas Athanasiou. Imagine the possibilities when general manager Kyle Davidson brings even more skill onto the roster.

The Bottom Line

Raddysh reminds many of the “piano puller” forward who does the dirty work in front of the net. The 6’3 winger still has season under team control and could fall into two categories: One–a valuable trade chip at an unbelievably reasonable price. Two, a valuable role player the Blackhawks can grow and be patient with as the younger prospects find their way to Chicago. But it’s also unfair to categorize him as just that net front or physical forward. Raddysh’s release is deceptively good, one that often fooled goalies before they could get settled. Where he’s likely to collect the most chances is on the power play, where he’s not afraid to take the abuse in front, be an opposing defenseman’s stick or the puck from a teammate’s stick.

Raddysh was an absolute bargain for the Blackhawks. Another strong season, as lottery odds smiled in Chicago’s favor, may keep him with the Blackhawks for a bit longer.

Previous Blackhawks Bottom Line Entries: Jonathan Toews | Andreas Athanasiou | Tyler Johnson | Seth Jones | MacKenzie Entwistle