Photo credit: NHLPA
It appears that GM Kyle Davidson has made his decision regarding Taylor Raddysh’s future in Chicago.
The arbitration-eligible RFA will walk to free agency and the Blackhawks will not be tendering Raddysh a qualifying offer.
The 26-year-old had struggled this season, in a contract year no less posting only 14 points( 5 G, 9 A) in 73 games with the Blackhawks, who were in desperate need of secondary scoring, when Connor Bedard was out.
”Taylor Raddysh, a pending RFA, is making it clear he really wants to stay in Chicago and try to rediscover his 2022-23 form. Blackhawks haven’t tipped their hand on him yet.”
Taylor Raddysh, a pending RFA, is making it clear he really wants to stay in Chicago and try to rediscover his 2022-23 form. Blackhawks haven’t tipped their hand on him yet.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 25, 2024
Raddysh was unable to replicate his 20-goal season in 2022-2023, in 78 games where he scored 37 points( 20 G, 17 A).
The depth forward expressed his desire to return to the Blackhawks, but it seems as if the feelings were unrequited.
The Blackhawks will instead turn him into a free agent and let him get a fresh start elsewhere, while the rebuild continues into another year.
It is unlikely that with the club likely to promote rookies into the NHL, or good depth coming cheap during free agency, Davidson needed to offer Raddysh a QO in that regard.
The former second-round pick was sent to the Blackhawks in 2022, in return for Brandon Hagel, in addition to a 1st round pick, along with Boris Katchouk as well.
He will still be able to provide value to his next team, as someone who is fierce on the penalty kill, while still having plenty of offensive upside to tap into, should he find his game again.
It is likely his next contract will fetch him just under one-million a year AAV, while term being one year as well according to Rob Couch of The Hockey News.