Is Taylor Raddysh going to have a Breakout Season?

The recent extension of Brandon Hagel has made news this week (8 years at 6.5 AAV). During the draft, the fall of Oliver Moore into the Blackhawks' 19th slot was also big news. Lost in that deal from March of 2022 is the acquisition of Taylor Raddysh.

Raddysh, a former 2nd round pick (58th in 2016 by the Tampas Bay Lightning) is now coming off his first 20 goal season of his career. At 25 years old the top 6 forward finds himself now in a prominent role with Chicago. Not only could he line up at right wing for Connor Bedard this season, but he should be motivated to improve his earning power moving deeper into his career.

After signing a 3 year / 2.275m deal with Tampa Bay just 2 years ago, it's hard not to argue that he has one of the best valued deals in the NHL. This makes him both attractive from a trade perspective and as a valuable asset on our current roster.

Raddysh will still be an RFA at the end of the season, however he will have arbitration rights. With a big season he could certainly see an arbitrator awarding him fair compensation moving forward. When looking at what he does best on the ice, namely finishing plays off around the net, I could see a situation in which a lot of power play time with Bedard could translate into a 25-28 goal season. While that may seem high for the winger, you have to ask yourself whom will be in position to score these passes from Connor Bedard?

When you look at the roster, the best forward on the right side is clearly Taylor Raddysh. My prediction is that the end result will translate to a big pay day for him. Whether or not that is with the Blackhawks though remains to be seen.